Epic Games
Epic Games business and news from across the web.
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MMO Week in Review: EverQuest’s legacy, Camelot out of chains
This week's MMO news includes Daybreak's announcement of EverQuest Legacy, a spinoff of the classic game, and the surprise early access launch of Camelot Unchained after eight years in beta. Several other MMOs received updates, including V Rising, New World, and EverQuest II, while Epic Games faced significant layoffs due to overspending and a slump in Fortnite's performance.
Epic Games Will Solve Insurance Issues for Family of a Recently Laid-Off Terminally Ill Employee
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced the company will resolve insurance issues for a terminally ill employee who was laid off, amidst criticism. Sweeney stated that medical information was not a factor in the layoff decision, which was attributed to a downturn in Fortnite engagement and overall industry challenges. The company is providing severance packages, extended healthcare coverage, and accelerated stock options to affected employees.
Fortnite x Bloons TD 6 Crossover Is Actually Happening and It’s Unhinged
Epic Games is collaborating with Ninja Kiwi for an unexpected crossover between Fortnite and Bloons TD 6, set to launch on April 23. The collaboration will introduce Bloons TD 6 elements into the Fortnite battle royale, with details suggesting a sidekick or companion system. This move aims to leverage the popularity of both franchises and potentially introduce new audiences to each game.
Epic to 'Solve' Life Insurance After Terminally Ill Employee Was Laid Off
Epic Games is addressing an issue where a terminally ill employee, Mike Prinke, was laid off and lost his life insurance coverage. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the company will ensure the family receives the necessary insurance support, emphasizing that his medical condition was not a factor in the layoff decision.
A programmer with terminal brain cancer was caught in Epic's mass layoff, but CEO Tim Sweeney says the studio…
Epic Games conducted mass layoffs affecting 1,000 employees, including technical writer Mike Prinke, who is undergoing treatment for terminal brain cancer. While Epic stated impacted staff would receive six months of paid healthcare, Prinke's situation highlights the critical loss of income and life insurance, leaving his family facing significant financial and medical challenges.
Analysts believe Fortnite’s performance isn’t the only factor in Epic Games’ latest firing round
Analysts suggest Epic Games' recent layoffs of 1,000 employees are due to a combination of factors beyond Fortnite's performance, including costly legal battles with Apple and Google, upcoming competition from Roblox, and past pandemic-era expansion. Despite workforce reductions, Epic Games remains committed to developing Fortnite into an "everything game" in partnership with Disney.
Issues and Activism
Epic Games is facing criticism for laying off a terminally ill employee who lacked life insurance. Separately, the upcoming Borderlands 4 DLC is receiving backlash due to its high price and perceived short content.
Xbox Partner Showcase & Crimson Desert – TheXboxHub Official Podcast #226
TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 226 covers the Xbox Partner Showcase, featuring updates on games like Stranger Than Heaven, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Hades II. The hosts also discuss the impact of a downturn in Fortnite on Epic Games and share their thoughts on the divisive game Crimson Desert.
Nintendo’s Iwata Cut His Salary, Epic’s Sweeney Cut 830 Jobs Instead
The article contrasts the leadership styles of the late Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney during difficult company periods. Iwata famously cut his own salary to avoid layoffs during Nintendo's struggles with the 3DS launch and Wii U, while Sweeney laid off 830 employees at Epic Games in 2023. The piece argues that Iwata's approach fostered a better work environment and contributed to Nintendo's long-term success, contrasting it with what it describes as a more traditional, employee-costing corporate strategy at Epic.
Former Valve writer hits out at Epic Games layoffs: "It's not like they're a publicly traded company. It's not like there's some need to hit the stock market thing. This is Tim"
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney regarding the company's recent 1,000 job cuts. Faliszek questioned the motivation behind the layoffs, given Epic Games is not publicly traded, and contrasted it with Valve's employee-centric approach that fostered agency and rewarded hard work.
Something for the Weekend – 28/03/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony increasing prices for PlayStation 5 consoles and the PlayStation Portal, Epic Games confirming over 1,000 layoffs, and four Nacon-owned studios filing for insolvency. New game announcements include STALKER 2: Cost of Hope expansion, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and Wyldheart.
Analyst says Epic Games layoffs send a clear signal: 'This will not get any easier'
An industry analyst suggests that the recent layoffs at Epic Games signal a challenging future for the gaming industry, indicating that growth may not continue indefinitely. This event highlights broader concerns about the sustainability of perpetual growth within the sector.
Analyst says Epic Games layoffs send a clear signal: 'This will not get any easier'
An analyst suggests that recent layoffs at Epic Games indicate a worsening economic climate for the gaming industry. The article also includes a former developer's anecdote about pitching a Jak & Daxter remaster to Sony, which was not commissioned by the company.
Former Valve Dev Destroys Tim Sweeney Over Epic’s Mass Layoffs
Former Valve developer Chet Faliszek heavily criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney on TikTok following Epic's announcement of 1,000 layoffs. Faliszek accused Sweeney of prioritizing profit from Fortnite over game development and employee well-being, contrasting Epic's actions with Valve's employee ownership model.
Business and Finance
Epic Games has implemented significant layoffs, signaling deeper issues within the broader video game industry. This move is seen as a symptom of larger economic and structural challenges affecting game development and publishing companies.
The industry is in a 'really horrible place,' say Brenda and John Romero
Brenda and John Romero describe the current state of the video game industry as 'horrible,' drawing parallels to the 1983 crash due to widespread layoffs and studio closures at companies like EA, PlayStation, and Epic Games. Brenda Romero also expressed concern over the push for generative AI, stating that Romero Games is not utilizing the technology.
The Epic Games Store is Ready top Add Two More Free Games to Your Library
Epic Games Store is reportedly preparing to offer more free games to users. The discussion also touches upon pricing strategies and potential controversies surrounding discounts, with mentions of Sony's practices and a price hike for PlayStation 5 games.
"Rocket League is still a priority" despite Psyonix layoffs
Despite recent layoffs impacting developer Psyonix, the company assures that Rocket League remains a priority. The popular vehicular soccer game continues to be supported following workforce reductions at its parent company, Epic Games.
Former Half-Life 2 writer calls out Epic CEO Tim Sweeney over layoffs, says Valve boss Gabe Newell is "better" than him at making "as much money as possible," anyway
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney over recent layoffs, questioning employee motivation and comparing Epic's actions unfavorably to Valve's employee retention. Faliszek highlighted that Valve, despite operating Steam, has fewer employees than Epic and suggested Gabe Newell is more adept at generating profit while still fostering a positive work environment.
Engadget Podcast: Can Microsoft fix Windows 11 by dumping AI?
This podcast episode discusses Microsoft's potential shift in Windows 11 strategy, moving away from heavy AI integration like Copilot towards core features and customization. The hosts also touch upon OpenAI's Sora, Meta's legal troubles regarding child engagement and social media addiction, an iOS exploit, Epic Games layoffs, and the dissolution of the Afeela EV collaboration between Honda and Sony.