Penny’s Big Breakaway Faces Team Layoffs Amid Challenging Nintendo Switch Market

The release of Penny’s Big Breakaway for the Nintendo Switch drew notable attention in early 2024, fueled by the pedigree of its development studio, Evening Star.

Best known as the creative talent behind Sega’s critically acclaimed Sonic Mania, Evening Star generated considerable excitement within the gaming community regarding their first original title, Penny’s Big Breakaway.

Available on Nintendo Switch and other major platforms, the vibrant 3D platformer was most anticipated for its eShop launch and bold, colorful design reminiscent of classic ‘90s platforming adventures. However, a few months post-launch, Evening Star has confirmed a significant setback for the team.

In an official statement shared on September 13, 2024, Evening Star acknowledged that they have had to let go of six team members, attributing the decision to the volatile conditions of the current games industry and the financial realities facing the company. Studio co-founder and creative director Hunter Bridges addressed the layoffs via social media, emphasizing that this decision was not made lightly and did not reflect the abilities or value of the affected employees.

In his words, the individuals concerned are highly skilled and valued members of the team, and the studio is committed to supporting them through this transition. "This isn’t a choice that anyone at Evening Star wanted to make," Bridges shared.

"The impacted team members are incredibly talented professionals, and we’re doing everything possible to help them find new opportunities.

The rapidly changing landscape of the game industry, coupled with immediate operational needs, forced us to make this difficult call." Evening Star, founded in 2018 and located in Los Angeles, has established a reputation for excellence in 2D and 3D game design, with Sonic Mania earning critical acclaim for revitalizing a beloved franchise and achieving significant sales milestones across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

Penny’s Big Breakaway marks their first independent IP and was released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in February 2024, aiming to capture the enthusiasm of platform game fans on a global scale. While Penny’s Big Breakaway received a warm reception from critics for its unique mechanics and visual flair, the game’s commercial performance has faced stiff competition on the Nintendo Switch, a platform with a crowded eShop marketplace and a rapidly evolving player base. The news of these recent layoffs at Evening Star underscores the ongoing challenges that mid-sized and independent game developers face amid changing market dynamics and increasing operational costs.

As the gaming industry continues to mature, the stability of development teams often hinges on sales outcomes and the unpredictable realities of the digital marketplace. Despite these hardships, Evening Star remains committed to supporting its remaining staff and nurturing creative game development.

As the studio navigates this transitional period, the broader industry watches closely, hopeful that displaced team members will quickly find new opportunities within the thriving Nintendo Switch and wider games industry ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Penny’s Big Breakaway Evening Star developers Sonic Mania Hunter Bridges