A week after expanding its publishing division, Killing Floor studio Tripwire Interactive lays off 36 people
Tripwire Interactive, developer of Killing Floor, laid off 36 staff days after expanding its publishing division, citing financial necessity while continuing work on Maneater 2 and Killing Floor 3.
Tripwire Interactive, the studio behind Killing Floor, confirmed it laid off 36 employees, describing the decision as difficult but necessary for the organization’s survival. The cuts reduce the studio’s workforce to roughly 40–50 people, according to an internal source. Leadership emphasized ongoing projects, including the development of Maneater 2 and Killing Floor 3, alongside publishing efforts under the Tripwire Presents label. The studio also pledged continued support for existing games and commitment to its community despite the workforce reduction.
The layoffs follow Tripwire’s recent expansion of its Tripwire Presents publishing division, which now offers scaled support to smaller independent developers. Publishing director Bryan West described the initiative as assisting 'scrappy developers' in specific areas where they need help. This move aimed to diversify Tripwire’s business model amid challenges in replicating past successes. The timing of the layoffs, just days after the expansion announcement, underscores the financial pressures facing the studio.
Tripwire’s struggles are evident in the reception of Killing Floor 3, released in 2025, which has received 'mixed' user reviews on Steam. Concurrent player counts on the platform remain significantly lower than those of its 2016 predecessor. The original Maneater, launched in 2020, achieved notable success, but Tripwire has faced difficulties sustaining momentum with subsequent releases. These challenges have contributed to the studio’s decision to reduce its workforce.
Maneater 2 was announced in September, five years after the original game’s release, signaling the studio’s continued investment in the franchise. Despite the layoffs, Tripwire stated it remains focused on delivering the best support possible to its existing games. The studio’s LinkedIn message framed the decision as a strategic step to ensure long-term stability while navigating a challenging market environment.