Games Global CEO Confirms Layoffs Amid Major Business Restructuring
Games Global has confirmed a wave of layoffs as part of a wider business restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and aligning its global operations with long-term strategic goals. The company, which employs over 1,000 people across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, has not disclosed the exact number of job cuts.
Corporate Realignment and Efficiency Drive
The decision to streamline the global workforce comes four years after Games Global’s establishment, which included the acquisition of Microgaming’s distribution business in 2022. The firm, which supports hundreds of casino brands globally and employs over 1,000 people, has not disclosed the precise scale of the layoffs. In a statement provided to NEXT.io, Games Global confirmed the rationale behind the changes:
“Over the past quarter, Games Global has conducted a global review of operations aimed at enhancing efficiency and aligning its structure toward future priorities and growth.
As part of this review, the business has made the decision to streamline the size of its global workforce, in response to both evolving technology efficiencies and the scale at which it has grown over the past four years.
While these decisions have been difficult, they are essential to ensuring long-term competitiveness and ability to invest in sustainable innovation.”
CEO Walter Bugno further elaborated on the strategic necessity of the move, stating:
“This restructuring is a proactive step to ensure Games Global remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers, capitalise on emerging market opportunities, and maintain a strong focus on investment in innovation.”
The Isle of Man’s Department for Enterprise confirmed that several positions were affected at the company’s headquarters in Douglas.
Layoffs Affect Multiple Departments and Senior Roles
Posts on LinkedIn suggest that the job cuts impacted various departments and levels of seniority, including long-serving employees from the company’s Microgaming era.
One of the most notable departures is Charlotte Davies, Games Global’s Director of Global People, who shared an emotional farewell message online. Davies wrote:
“This transition is made all the more difficult due to the privilege I have had to work alongside such amazing talent, many of who have become more than colleagues, they are true friends.
Over the coming days you will see posts from brilliant people who have been impacted. If you’re hiring or know of any opportunities that may be a fit for my colleagues and team please let me know and I will connect you.”
Despite the layoffs, some affected employees told NEXT.io that they hold no ill feelings toward the company and wish it continued success.
Year After the Scrapped IPO
The restructuring follows Games Global’s withdrawal of its planned IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2024. The listing was expected to value the supplier at around $2.13 billion and raise up to $113 million, but was pulled just hours before its launch due to unfavorable market conditions.
Founded in 2022 after acquiring Microgaming’s distribution business, Games Global has since become one of the leading content suppliers in iGaming. The company operates studios and offices in the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, Estonia, South Africa, Brazil, and the US, serving hundreds of online casino brands globally.