FIFA’s inaugural soccer game outside of EA faces significant layoffs.

Refactor Games, the studio that recently launched the FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition exclusively on Netflix, has drastically reduced its workforce by 85%. This development was confirmed by studio head Nathan Burba, while reports suggest that Delphi Interactive withdrew its financial support for the studio.

Barclay Chantel, a former art director at Refactor Games, shared on LinkedIn:

“Well, it looks like I’m back on the market looking for a job again. Delphi just pulled the plug on Refactor studios right after we shipped the FIFA World Cup game for Netflix. The entire studio was let go today, so if anyone is looking for talent, I can put you in contact with some pretty awesome folks.”

Before working on FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, Refactor Games developed Football Simulator, an Early Access title on Steam that focuses on American football. Despite receiving very positive user reviews, it peaked at just 188 concurrent players in January 2025, and has seen a maximum of only 10 players in the last 24 hours.

In contrast, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition attracted 1.5 million players in its first week, making it one of Netflix’s two “most successful cloud game debuts,” according to their Q2 2026 fiscal report. However, the game faced harsh criticism, with some calling it a “modern hellscape and an embarrassment to everyone involved.”

There was significant anticipation for FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, marking the first FIFA-branded game since the organization parted ways with EA Sports. Yet, skepticism lingered, as many questioned whether it could deliver a soccer gaming experience comparable to its predecessor. Unfortunately, it seems the critics were right this time.

Spain’s victory means EA Sports simulations continue their flawless streak.