Tencent-owned studio Lightspeed LA has laid off 80 developers as it pivots the development of its open-world project, Last Sentinel. The decision follows six years of development that failed to meet the studio's internal milestones or generate positive feedback during recent play-testing.
Current Status of Last Sentinel
While the studio has officially confirmed that Last Sentinel remains in production, the project is undergoing a substantial change in scope. Originally conceived as a high-budget, cyberpunk-themed answer to the Grand Theft Auto series, the game struggled with a smaller development team than industry peers and reports of polarizing internal management.
Quick Facts
- Status: In development with a revised creative direction.
- Developer: Lightspeed LA (a Tencent-owned studio).
- Personnel Changes: 80 staff members were laid off following negative internal playtest results.
- Development History: The project has been in active development for six years.
Internal reviews conducted earlier this year showed the project was not meeting expectations, including an attempted demo that failed to impress Tencent executives. Reports indicate that the game is unlikely to retain its original vision as an open-world sandbox similar to the Grand Theft Auto series.
As of late July 2026, the studio has not provided a new roadmap or release window for the title. Performance director Troy Baker, who was previously involved in the project, remains linked to the studio's efforts as they navigate this transition.