Free Fire developer C asked to halt plans for game livestream platform, cut jobs at Garena unit: report

Free Fire Developer Sea Said to Halt Plans for Game Livestream Platform, Cut Jobs at Garena Unit: Report

C has cut jobs at its livestream app, which is part of its gaming unit Garena. The Singapore-based firm has put its plans for a game livestream platform on hold, which will no longer be updated, according to a report. It is also considering shutting down some of the company’s blockchain and cloud-related projects. The company has faced several setbacks, including a government ban on its Garena Free Fire game.

According to A Report Citing two sources familiar with the matter, Reuters told workers at its livestream and community service BooYah! It has no plans to update the key app. According to reports, the company’s decision to stop development of the app will lead to up to 40 layoffs.

Meanwhile, the company is said to have shut down major projects — related to blockchain and public cloud projects — while laying off “dozens” of employees to improve its profitability, according to the report, citing a third person with knowledge of the developments.

The report said a company spokesperson said it was focusing on the long-term strength of its ecosystem and had “made some changes to improve efficiency in our operations that affect multiple roles”.

Gerena Free Fire, the popular ocean battle royale game, was among the mobile apps and games banned by the government in February. The ban imposed by the IT Ministry led to the immediate removal of Free Fire, AppLock and 52 other apps from Google Play and Apple’s App Store in the country. C later warned that the ban was hurting him in India, where the sport has a large player base.