Indie studio KO_OP has announced plans to lay off 13 staff members over the next few months as part of a process it describes as 'democratic.' The layoffs, which include team leads and executives, were decided after members appointed a group to plan for the possibility and ratified the decision. KO_OP states the move is necessary for the studio's survival rather than profit maximization, and that the entire team was aware of the financial situation well in advance. Affected employees will still receive their agreed profit share from Young Suns, the studio's co-op space-faring game currently exclusive to Xbox Game Pass.

KO_OP, known for GNOG and Young Suns, emphasized that the decision was made with sadness and respect, reflecting its long-standing operational values.