Ustwo Games CEO Admits Company Was ‘Too Romantic’ About Staff Job Security, Embraces Contractor Model

April 30, 2026 - 04:04

The head of Ustwo Games, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Monument Valley series, has publicly acknowledged that the company’s previous commitment to offering employees long-term job security was an overly idealistic approach. In a candid interview, the CEO stated that the studio was “too romantic” about guaranteeing permanent roles, and now believes that a shift toward hiring more contractors is essential for the business’s survival and growth.

According to the executive, the current economic climate in the gaming industry demands a more flexible workforce. The studio plans to lower operational costs by reducing the number of full-time, permanent staff and instead relying on contractors for specific project phases. This move, the CEO argued, is not about abandoning loyalty but about adapting to a volatile market where project timelines and budgets are increasingly unpredictable.

“We used to think that offering everyone a permanent home was the right thing to do,” the CEO explained. “But that model creates a lot of financial pressure. When a project ends, you’re left with a large payroll and no immediate work. Contractors allow us to scale up and down without the same level of risk.” The executive emphasized that this strategy is now “fundamental” to the studio’s future, allowing it to remain agile and competitive.

The announcement has sparked debate among industry observers. While some see it as a pragmatic response to the ongoing wave of layoffs and studio closures, others worry it signals a broader erosion of job security in the creative sector. Ustwo Games, known for its artistic and narrative-driven titles, has long been seen as a bastion of stable, employee-friendly development. The CEO’s comments suggest that even boutique studios are not immune to the financial realities reshaping the gaming landscape.