Paradox Confirms Layoffs at The Chinese Room, Assures Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Development Remains On Track

Paradox Interactive has confirmed that The Chinese Room, the current developer behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, has undergone layoffs. While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, reports from former staff and sources like Game Developer suggest at least nine developers were let go. Despite this internal shake-up, Paradox insists that the highly anticipated title remains on schedule for its planned October 2025 launch.

The news broke when several now-former employees of The Chinese Room shared their job loss announcements on LinkedIn. One former developer posted somberly, “We are none of us safe from the headsman's axe when redundancy time comes around,” capturing the industry-wide sentiment of uncertainty. Source via Game Developer

In response to the coverage, Paradox Interactive offered an official statement to PC Gamer, assuring fans and stakeholders that the game's timeline will not be affected by these staffing changes. “Development on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is unaffected by the recent staffing changes at The Chinese Room; the game is still scheduled for an October release. We wish those affected the best of luck on their future endeavors.” Read the full PC Gamer coverage here

The Bloodlines 2 project has had a tumultuous development history since its initial announcement in 2019. Originally under development by Hardsuit Labs, the game faced delays, internal reorganization, and was even at risk of cancellation before The Chinese Room took over in 2021. Since then, The Chinese Room has been working on both Bloodlines 2 and its own separate title, Still Wakes The Deep, which released earlier this year.

While layoffs during a polishing phase might raise concern, Paradox reassures the community that Bloodlines 2 is in its final stretch. The game is said to be “done,” with the team now focused solely on refinement and bug squashing ahead of release. A specific launch date in October has yet to be revealed, but fans remain cautiously optimistic.

After six years of uncertainty and anticipation, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 appears to be finally reaching the finish line. Whether it delivers on its long-held promise remains to be seen, but for now, development continues — albeit amid a leaner team.