MercurySteam, the Spanish developer behind acclaimed Metroid titles, has announced workforce layoffs just two days before releasing its latest game on Steam. The studio is best known for Metroid Dread (2021) and Metroid: Samus Returns (2017), both of which received positive reviews from critics and fans. The company posted on LinkedIn about the "workforce adjustment process" but provided no details on the scope of cuts.

LinkedIn lists MercurySteam as employing between 251-500 people. The timing creates an awkward situation for the studio, which is preparing to launch its newest title on Steam this week. The layoffs follow controversy surrounding the studio's release of Blades of Fire on consoles last year, which brought allegations of toxic workplace culture to light.

Game industry layoffs have become increasingly common as companies face financial pressures. MercurySteam joins a growing list of studios reducing staff despite having games in development or ready for launch. The company has not commented on what these layoffs mean for its future projects or how they might impact the upcoming Steam release.