By: Kylee GainerEmployees at Telltale Games prepare for the release of the second episode of “The Walking Dead: The Final Season”. But on the morning of September 21, over 250 employees would find themselves jobless before the official release date due to the company filing for bankruptcy. Employees lost health insurance and were not even granted severance. Telltale Games had gotten criticism previously for rumors of toxic management and crunch culture. In response, the company dismissed the CEO Kevin Bruner and welcomed Pete Hawley in September 2017 in hopes of financially helping the company. Hawley was said to have cleaned up the toxic environment and raised wages. Many employees expressed that Hawley had a more hands-off approach and allowed them their creative freedom.
Later in November 2017, 90 employees of Telltale Games were laid off and granted pay until the end of the year, but, the September 2018 layoffs were not given the same. Employees did not receive severance and many lost their health insurance causing hysteria among the company as they and their families would be left without healthcare. Employees not receiving severance pay was due to the company’s financial strain, as said by the head of HR, Ms. Tracy Esposito. Health insurance was granted until the end of the month, which was only nine days away. All those laid off were given 30 minutes to pack all of their things and leave. According to The Verge, Telltale was already facing a lawsuit from previous CEO Kevin Bruner regarding his release as a means of revenge. All of these situations aside, the final nail in the coffin for Telltale was the loss of investors. Two companies, AMC being one of them backed out of a deal last second on the Thurs. before everyone was laid off. The other company, Smilegate, is a South Korean mobile game company. According to The Verge, both companies had backed out on the same day, one dropping out at 2PM and the other dropping out at 7PM. Inside sources from AMC say they were surprised that their deal was considered a done deal as they expressed more involvement with “The Walking Dead” TV show. Telltale studio still says they will find a way to release the final episodes of “The Walking Dead: The Final Season” despite the layoffs; however, this news contradicts many employee statements. It’s been said that it’s impossible to switch teams and expect any consistency. Others say that this is an entirely separate issue from the company, whatever decision they make has nothing to do with the employees laid off. Many consumers and developers believe this is the end of Telltale Games despite how much they try to reshape their image.
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