Published on: January 14, 2026, 09:30 AM.
Updated on: January 14, 2026, 09:38 AM.
- Mobile gaming firm plans to reduce workforce by 15%.
- Aims to reinvest savings into growth strategies.
Playtika (NASDAQ: PLTK) experienced a dip in its stock price on Wednesday following the announcement of a 15% reduction in workforce, which is expected to incur costs between $12 million and $15 million.
The Israeli-based company disclosed these details in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stating that the layoffs are expected to be finalized by the end of the current fiscal quarter.
“While this strategic plan is projected to enhance operational efficiencies, we plan to reinvest a significant portion of these savings to fuel growth initiatives. Therefore, the overall impact on profitability will depend on the timing and breadth of these investments,” the regulatory filing stated.
In a communication to staff, CEO Robert Antokol mentioned that the layoffs are part of a larger transformation aimed at realigning the company’s priorities, allowing for greater focus on high-growth titles.
‘A New Direction’
Despite the cost-cutting measures, investor sentiment appears skeptical as indicated by the declining stock price following the layoff announcement.
The stock has dropped 47% over the previous year and has struggled since its initial public offering (IPO) approximately five years ago. Concerns over stagnant monthly user growth and reliance on a limited number of games, including Bingo Blitz, Caesars Slots, Slotomania, and World Series of Poker (WSOP), have been prevalent. However, Antokol pledges a transformative new chapter for the gaming enterprise.
In his message to employees, the CEO emphasized the necessity for Playtika to adjust its cost structure to invest in future ventures, stating that the company cannot afford to divide resources between established titles and new game development.
“We have faced tough decisions before, but this transformation signifies a pivotal new chapter,” Antokol stated. “By proactively reshaping our operational strategy, we are taking the initiative to uncover new growth opportunities, intensify our focus, and establish a foundation for long-term success.”
Playtika’s Focus on Expanding Successful Titles
Playtika’s restructuring also includes an emphasis on expanding successful game titles and leveraging the acquisition of SuperPlay, announced in September 2024.
This acquisition may bolster Playtika’s revenue, partially due to the success of Dice Dreams, which launched in 2024 and exceeded $400 million in revenue by July, aided by the 2021 competitor release, Monopoly Go!
“It takes time for growth titles to become profitable,” Antokol noted in his correspondence. “By streamlining our resources in more mature segments now, we create space for our growth titles to thrive without compromising our financial stability.”