Weta Workshop's Game Studio struggles with the development of Tales of the Shire, as current and former employees report ineffective management and communication problems. The company's inexperience in producing high-profile video games has contributed to significant stress among staff. A culture of distrust and tight deadlines has led to burnout. In October 2024, the studio unexpectedly announced layoffs and restructuring, which further eroded employee morale and led to additional resignations, reducing the workforce significantly.
According to more than a dozen current and former employees, the game's development has been hobbled by ineffective management, plagued with poor decision-making and communication.
All those who spoke with The Verge requested anonymity, fearing retaliation for breaches of confidentiality.
In October 2024, the studio announced to staff that it would be restructuring, laying off nine staff and disestablishing the positions of lead producer and lead game designer.
The studio lurched from deadline to deadline to get the game out the door, and a culture of distrust and crunch left staff feeling burnt out.
Collection
[
|
...
]