Former employees of Jyamma Games, the Italian studio behind 2024’s acclaimed Soulslike Enotria: The Last Song, report owing months of unpaid salaries following layoffs last year. Sources describe a studio grappling with payment delays, shifting project directions, and internal uncertainty since spring 2025.
Studio Background
Founded in September 2019 and based in Milan, Jyamma Games gained recognition with mobile titles before entering PC and console markets. Their breakout hit, Enotria: The Last Song, launched in September 2024. This action-RPG features a vibrant world inspired by distorted Italian folklore, unique elements, and status effects. Critics praised it as a refreshing Soulslike alternative.
Payment Delays Emerge
Former staff indicate salary delays started in March and April 2025 while developing a sequel to Enotria. Management assured quick resolution, but issues persisted. In April, CEO Giacomo Greco paused the sequel and announced a trading card game based on Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia, or The Divine Comedy, building on the studio’s Italian cultural themes.
In May 2025, Greco emailed staff about financial strain, blaming delayed PlayStation revenue collections from February through April. The message highlighted upcoming government tax credits and efforts to secure private investments for stability. An administrative manager’s June 13 email claimed April payments were complete, yet sources report inconsistent communication and postponements through August.
Project Pivots and Layoffs
July brought further changes: Greco shifted the Divine Comedy project to an action-RPG format and revealed talks with Neowiz, the publisher of Lies of P, for funding on either that title or Enotria 2. Updates were expected by September or October. The email also discussed a potential NASDAQ public listing within 6-12 months, possible stock options for staff, and early talks with Amazon and Tencent.
Public claims surfaced in August 2025 after Jyamma showcased a Divine Comedy trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Italian streamers Blur and IlMasseo alleged the studio still owed them for promoting Enotria the prior year.
October marked a turning point. July salaries were paid, and Greco announced a 2.5D Enotria spin-off alongside the main project, plus ongoing NASDAQ preparations. However, he outlined mass layoffs for sustainability, promising rehiring post-investment. Sources confirm two layoff rounds in October and December. Notably, the initial announcement coincided with the studio’s Instagram post celebrating its birthday.
As of February 9, 2026, some current staff receive paychecks, but several ex-employees await August, September, and October salaries.
CEO Response
Approached on payment delays, project shifts, and partnerships, CEO Giacomo Greco stated:
Enotria was an ambitious project, entirely self-financed, self-produced, and self-published, born from the passion of our team and several industry veterans, with the clear objective of establishing Jyamma Games’ identity through the development of original IPs rooted in Italian culture. The company has always acted with the well-being of its collaborators as a priority and has consistently worked to retain as many team members as possible. We confirm that we have never ceased compensating our collaborators. While some payments have been rescheduled, all commitments continue to be honored, as they have been regularly over the past six years. Following a necessary restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability, the current team is fully aligned with the studio’s resources, and there are no payment delays. Regarding the matter involving Italian streamers, Jyamma Games has always honored and will continue to honor all agreements made. The parties involved are working together to ensure that all agreed obligations are fulfilled. Jyamma Games refrains from commenting on any rumors or speculation regarding projects or partnerships, and any information regarding its initiatives will be shared when appropriate.
Blur and IlMasseo have been contacted for updates on their payment status.
