Metroid, Castlevania dev hit with layoffs just 2 days before its latest game launches

Metroid Dread studio MercurySteam has been hit with a round of layoffs, the indie dev revealed earlier today.

The Madrid-based studio announced the news in a LinkedIn post where it described the layoffs as “a workforce adjustment process,” marking the most unique and corporate way of describing people losing their jobs that I’ve seen in a while, and one that just doesn’t sit very well in my stomach.

“While this is something common within the production cycles of our industry, it is nonetheless a difficult and painful situation,” the post reads. “We want to express our deepest respect, gratitude, and support for the people affected, whose talent, effort, and commitment have been an important part of the studio’s history.”

MercurySteam’s next game, an action title called Blades of Fire, is launching in just two days. I’m not sure what this round of unspecified layoffs means for the new release, but it doesn’t feel good. The game currently has a 71 rating on Metacritic with 54 reviews in.

For my money, Metroid Dread is one of the best games in that franchise’s history, a title that the studio co-developed with Nintendo. It launched in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch after MercurySteam also released Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS and the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow games before that, so the studio has some decently substantial marks of success in its track record. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to mean much these days in the gaming industry.

“If your studio or company is looking for experienced developers, please feel free to contact us,” the post continued. “We will do everything we can to help these professionals find new opportunities. Over the coming weeks, we will focus all our efforts on handling this process with the utmost responsibility, humanity, and respect for everyone involved.”

The post Metroid, Castlevania dev hit with layoffs just 2 days before its latest game launches appeared first on Destructoid.

Liga F and Liga Portugal TOTS players are coming soon to FC 26, and we can find the special cards in different packs. These promo cards will highlight the best performers from the top divisions of women’s football in Spain and men’s football in Portugal.

Let’s check out the leaked cards that have appeared on social media.

All FC 26 Liga F TOTS players

Here’s the complete Liga F TOTS lineup that’s been leaked on social media.

• Isina Corte
• Paula Fernandez
• Fiamma Benitez
• Daniela Agote
• Maria Mendez
• Athenea
• Pizarro
• Noelia Ramos
• Brugts
• Caroline Weir
• Ona Batlle
• Alexia Putellas
• Ewa Pajor
• Claudia Pina

All FC 26 Liga Portugal TOTS players

Here’s the list of leaked Liga Portugal TOTS players coming soon to Ultimate Team.

• Camara
• Lagerbielke
• Carevic
• Bednarek
• Araujo
• Alberto Costa
• Kiwior
• Begraoui
• Aursnes
• Trincao
• Froholdt
• Zalazar
• Pavlidis
• Suarez

FC 26 Liga F and Liga Portugal TOTS release countdown

Liga F and Liga Portugal will be the minor leagues accompanying La Liga TOTS. The two sets of promo cards will be in packs starting Friday, May 15. The following countdown will expire once the cards are live in Ultimate Team.

[hurrytimer id=”1216074″]

The countdown is based on the following timings.

• 10am PT
• 12pm CT
• 1pm ET
• 5pm UTC
• 6pm BST

This is the usual routine followed by EA Sports when it comes to TOTS promos. All the items mentioned in this guide will be in packs. However, watch out for TOTS Highlights and Honorable Mentions that will arrive as part of objectives and SBCs.

The post All FC 26 Liga F and Liga Portugal TOTS players and release countdown appeared first on Destructoid.