Zau Studios puts staff on notice for redundancy as it seeks funding

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Key takeaways

  • Sergeant Studios, the developer behind Tales of Kenzera: Zaw, has put its entire gaming staff on redundancy notice.
  • Despite positive reviews, Tales of Kenzera: Zau did not meet sales expectations.
  • The developer is seeking funding for its next game, said to be “darker, tougher, and more visceral” than Tales of Kenzera: Zau.



Developed multimedia company Tales of Kenzera: Zau has put its entire gaming staff on redundancy notice due to funding issues. Although praised by critics, Tales of Kenzera: Zau It didn't do well financially, and it looked like the developer's jobs might be in jeopardy due to a lack of funding for the studio's next project.

Developed by Sergeant Studio, Tales of Kenzera: Zau Released in early 2024. A Metroidvania platformer, the game follows the adventures of Zau as he tries to revive his father, with the title featuring a deep and emotional story, fast-paced action, and inspiration from African mythology. Unfortunately, despite earning positive reviews with an average of 76 on OpenCritic, the game did not sell very well, and Sergeant Studios laid off more than a dozen employees in July.


Split image showing Impundulu, Kikiyaon, and GaGorib.

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Right now, Sergeant Studios' financial situation doesn't seem to be improving, as the company recently posted a message on social media claiming that its gaming division has ceased operations. According to the studio, the entire team has also been put on notice for redundancy. The studio was working on a “bold new project”, described as “darker, edgier, and more visceral”. Tales of Kenzera: ZauBut the company currently needs funding to continue. This is certainly sad news, as Tales of Kenzera: Zau 2024 was one of the best Metroidvania games to come out.


Sergeant Studio staff on notice for redundancy


At this time, almost nothing is known about Sergeant Studio's next game. Given the developer's experience with Metroidvania games, it's possible that its next title, if ever funded and finished, could be in the same genre. However, this announcement indicates that this comparison will feature a major change of tone Tales of Kenzera: ZauMore heartwarming stories.

Unfortunately, 2023 and 2024 are going to be tough years for the gaming industry due to the constant churn of many companies. In February, Embracer Group laid off nearly 8,000 employees, while Unity Technologies cut 2,900 and Microsoft 2,880 from its workforce. The situation has affected several major companies, including Electronic Arts, Sony, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Riot Games, Sega, Ubisoft, and others. The issue doesn't seem to be slowing down yet, becoming a major problem for even smaller studios. Hopefully, Sergeant Studios will get the funding it needs for its next game, but it's impossible to say when the current crisis in the gaming industry will end.


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