Hi-Rez recent layoffs causes the end of development for 3 of their active games

Source: Hi-Rez Studios

Hi-Rez Studios, the developers of Smite, it's sequel, and Paladins have been laying off some of it's employees with this past week. This was only made aware to the public via several post on various social media sites. It was then compiled into a mega thread in r/Smite subreddit. Due to this event, Smite (First game), Paladins, and Rouge Company updates have ceased development, however their servers will remain active for the foreseeable future.

Here is a comment made from an Hi-Rez admin named Hinduman confirming the halt in updates:

"Smite 1, Paladins and Rogue Company servers will remain available for the foreseeable future, but no further major updates are currently planned for these games. We understand this may come as a disappointment to many of you, but know that Paladins has an incredibly special place in our hearts. We plan to keep the servers and currently available content running as long as possible to allow you to continue to enjoy the game."

Here is another comment from an admin with the official Paladins Discord server:

"Active development of Paladins is being halted. No more major updates are expected, however the servers will remain online."

Based on a report from GameDeveloper.com and later confirmed by Hi-Rez studio's president Stewart Chisam to Kotaku, around 70 employees have been laid off.