AppLovin laid off 97 employees in March 2025, including the CEO and design director of Machine Zone, the studio behind Game of War and Mobile Strike. This follows earlier layoffs in January (89 staff) and several rounds in 2024, totaling over 300 job cuts.
Machine Zone’s CTO was also previously affected. A former employee claimed most of the studio was shut down. AppLovin has not commented on the status of the studio.
CEO Adam Foroughi described the layoffs as part of a broader “streamlining” strategy, focusing on aligning resources with core business areas and improving revenue per employee. He said cuts targeted areas not supporting the company’s current growth opportunities.
AppLovin is also pursuing the acquisition of TikTok’s international business, arguing it could better monetize the platform using its ad tech. Meanwhile, the company is planning to sell its games division to Tripledot for $900 million. Tripledot may borrow up to $250 million for the deal, with AppLovin offering backup financing if needed.