Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move Developer Faces Massive Layoffs Amid Industry Shakeup

In a shocking move, Six to Start, the renowned developer behind Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move, has announced significant layoffs, impacting over 50% of its staff. This restructuring includes the departure of CEO Adrian Hon, a founding member who has been with the company for nearly 17 years.

The news comes as the company, once a pioneer in blending fitness with gaming, faces macroeconomic challenges and shifting consumer demands. Six to Start rose to fame with the launch of Zombies, Run! in 2011, a motivational fitness game that exceeded its Kickstarter goal by nearly six times and garnered 8.5 million downloads.

Known for its innovative approach, the company went on to develop titles like The Walk and Marvel Move, further solidifying its reputation in the fitness-tech space. In 2022, Six to Start was acquired by OliveX, a fitness and metaverse company, signaling a new chapter in its growth.

However, the current economic climate has forced the company to reevaluate its structure. The layoffs affect both full-time and part-time employees, with some leaving immediately and others staying on for a few more months. Key staff members, including head of production Matt Wieteska and head of engineering Jen Tan, have also announced their departures.

The restructuring is attributed to broader industry challenges, including higher interest rates and a return to pre-COVID demand levels for games and digital experiences. These factors are impacting not only Six to Start but also its parent company, OliveX, and the gaming industry at large.

As the company navigates this uncertain period, the future of its ZRX: Zombies Run + Marvel Move platform and subscriptions remains unclear. This development marks a significant shift for a company that has long been at the forefront of combining fitness with gaming technology.

Six to Start’s journey began with the groundbreaking success of Zombies, Run!, which launched in 2011 and quickly became a benchmark for innovative fitness gaming. The app not only exceeded its Kickstarter goal by nearly six times but also achieved remarkable user engagement, amassing 8.5 million downloads and maintaining 300,000 monthly active users. This early success established the company as a leader in the emerging genre of fitness gaming.

Building on this momentum, Six to Start expanded its portfolio with titles like The Walk and Marvel Move, further cementing its reputation for creating immersive and motivational experiences. In 2022, the company was acquired by OliveX, a fitness and metaverse company, marking a strategic move to integrate its offerings into a broader ecosystem. This acquisition was seen as a step toward enhancing its capabilities and reaching new audiences.

The recent layoffs, which affect over 50% of the company’s workforce, include both full-time and part-time employees. Prior to the restructuring, Six to Start had around 25 employees, with some departing immediately and others transitioning over the next few months. The departure of key leadership figures, such as head of production Matt Wieteska and head of engineering Jen Tan, alongside CEO Adrian Hon’s upcoming exit, signals a significant change in the company’s leadership structure.

The restructuring is largely attributed to macroeconomic challenges, including higher interest rates and a decline in consumer demand for digital experiences compared to the peak seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have created a difficult environment not only for Six to Start but also for its parent company, OliveX, and the broader gaming industry. As a result, the company is forced to adapt its operations to align with the new economic reality.

While the full impact of these changes on Six to Start’s operations remains to be seen, the uncertainty surrounding its ZRX: Zombies Run + Marvel Move platform and subscription services has raised concerns among its loyal user base. The company’s ability to maintain its innovative edge and continue delivering engaging fitness gaming experiences will depend on how effectively it navigates this challenging period.

Conclusion

The layoffs at Six to Start mark a pivotal moment for a company that once revolutionized the fitness-gaming industry with groundbreaking titles like Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move. While the economic challenges and shifting consumer demands have forced the company to restructure, the legacy of innovation remains intact. The departure of key leadership figures, including CEO Adrian Hon, signals a significant shift in the company’s direction. As Six to Start navigates this uncertain period, the focus will be on how effectively it can adapt to the new economic reality while maintaining its commitment to creating immersive fitness experiences. The future of its ZRX: Zombies Run + Marvel Move platform and subscriptions will be closely watched by its loyal user base and industry observers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions