Refactor Games Reportedly Shuts Down After FIFA Launch

Refactor Games, the studio behind FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition for Netflix Games, has reportedly shut down just weeks after the title's June 2026 release. Multiple former employees noted that the parent company and part-owner Delphi Interactive pulled funding. Co-founder & CEO at Refactor Games, Nathan Burba, later confirmed that about 85% of the workforce had been laid off.

Netflix did not comment on the reported layoffs, while Delphi Interactive has yet to issue a public statement.

Employees said they were informed during a company-wide meeting on July 31, 2026. Refactor Games' art director, Barclay Chantel, wrote on LinkedIn, "Delphi just pulled the plug on Refactor Studios right after we shipped the FIFA World Cup game for Netflix." Meanwhile, senior UI artist, Victor Del Castillo, also stated the parent company discontinued funding after the game's launch, resulting in layoffs across the studio.

Separately, Inside Gaming reported that around 80 employees were affected.

Refactor Games' Short Journey to Netflix

Founded in 2022 by Survios co-founder and president, Nathan Burba, Refactor Games debuted with Football Simulator, which entered Steam Early Access that year. The studio later partnered with Delphi Interactive to develop FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition exclusively for Netflix Games.

The team included veterans from 2K Sports, EA Sports, and OneTeam Partners. The game received mixed audience reviews.

Delphi Interactive's FIFA Publishing Strategy Faces Questions

Founded in 2020, Los Angeles-based Delphi Interactive focuses on financing, licensing, developing, and publishing games based on established entertainment brands. Earlier in 2026, the company reported that it originated the concept for 007 First Light, secured the James Bond license from MGM/Danjaq, brought in IO Interactive as developer and publisher, and financed the project's vertical slice.

The reported closure of Refactor Games raises questions about Delphi's publishing strategy and its partnership with FIFA and Netflix. It also adds another studio to the gaming industry's continuing wave of layoffs in 2026.