Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
MMO Business Roundup: Nintendo’s US patent, The Crew lawsuit, Epic helps a terminally ill former dev
This MMO business roundup covers several key industry events. Nintendo's attempt to patent a monster-summoning mechanic was rejected by the U.S. Patent Office, while Ubisoft faces a lawsuit in France over the shutdown of The Crew. Epic Games has committed to covering insurance costs for a terminally ill former employee laid off during recent company-wide reductions.
Oracle, the darling of the AI boom, is reportedly laying off around 10,000 people
Oracle is reportedly laying off approximately 10,000 employees, a move described as not performance-related. This news comes amid speculation about potential struggles in the AI industry, although Oracle is also investing heavily in datacenter demand for AI. The company's actions are being observed in the context of broader tech industry trends and significant investments in AI.
Fortnite's First Update Since Layoffs Adds Finger Guns Weapon, Big Heads and Shoulder Riding — All Just for 24 Hours
Fortnite has received its first update since Epic Games experienced significant layoffs, introducing temporary in-game features like finger guns, big heads, and shoulder riding. These comedic additions are available for only 24 hours.
Rumour: Deus Ex Dev Spent Hundreds of Millions on an Open World Action Game Before Mass Layoffs Hit
Eidos Montreal reportedly spent hundreds of millions of dollars on an open-world action game codenamed P11, which was nearly complete before its cancellation. This cancellation, alongside mass layoffs affecting 124 employees, occurred after the studio was sold to Embracer Group in 2022. The troubled project reportedly went through four different game engines during its development.
PlayStations Studio Business Group hit by layoffs
Sony Interactive Entertainment's Studio Business Group has undergone layoffs, affecting approximately 50 employees. The cuts include an unspecified number of staff within its mobile division.
PlayStation’s Studio Business Group hit by layoffs
The Walt Disney Company's CEO, Josh D'Amaro, is reportedly a fan of gaming, leading to speculation that Disney could increase its involvement in the industry, potentially through acquiring a company like Epic Games. This comes as Sony's PlayStation Studio Business Group has been affected by layoffs, though the article focuses more on Disney's potential gaming ventures.
Build a Rocket Boy CEO responds to end of publishing agreement with IOI Partners
Build a Rocket Boy CEO Mark Gerhard has addressed the end of the developer's publishing agreement with IOI Partners, stating the company now controls its own destiny as an independent studio. Gerhard also discussed allegations of corporate sabotage surrounding the launch of their game MindsEye, claiming they have evidence being investigated by UK and US authorities. The company also confirmed ongoing layoffs.
Fortnite's Wacky April Fools' Update Adds Big Heads, Rideable Llamas, And Finger Guns For 24 Hours
Fortnite received a 24-hour April Fools' Day update adding features like big heads, rideable llamas, finger guns, and disabling fall damage in unranked and Blitz matches. The update also included balance adjustments and accessibility options, alongside the start of Fortnite OG Season 8. This event follows recent layoffs at Epic Games due to a reported downturn in Fortnite engagement.
Moss Developer Polyarc Games Announces Layoffs
Polyarc Games, the developer behind the VR title Moss, has announced significant layoffs due to funding issues stemming from a cancelled major project. The studio, founded by former Bungie and Rockstar employees, cited the difficult decision to reduce its workforce, thanking impacted employees for their contributions. This follows a trend of challenges within the gaming industry, with other studios like Epic Games and Eidos Montreal also facing difficulties.
Business and Finance
Veterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online have returned to Cryptic Studios. Separately, VR developer Polyarc Games is reportedly undergoing layoffs, with an unspecified number of employees affected.
Evening Tech Bits
Oracle is reportedly cutting thousands of jobs amidst a surge in AI spending. Separately, XDA highlights four key features for gaming monitors that are more important than refresh rate, and SystemRescue version 13.00 has been released.
Eidos Montreal studio head departs as it lays off another 124 employees
Eidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees and studio head David Anfossi has departed. The circumstances surrounding Anfossi's departure are currently unclear.
Eidos Montreal studio head departs as it lays off another 124 employees
Ivy Road, a studio that worked on Wanderstop, is closing its doors on March 31st, 2026, due to a lack of funding for its new project, Engine Angel. This announcement follows news of Eidos Montreal laying off 124 employees.
As PSVR2 Dies a Slow Death, One of Its Best Devs Confirms Mass Layoffs
Polyarc, the developer behind the VR titles Moss and Moss: Book II, has confirmed significant layoffs due to funding troubles and a project cancellation. This news follows a trend of industry-wide job cuts, particularly impacting the VR development scene, with Sony's PlayStation VR2 receiving limited support post-launch.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney apologises and seemingly rectifies life insurance situation of laid off worker with terminal brain cancer
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has apologized and is working to resolve the life insurance situation for a recently laid-off employee with terminal brain cancer. The programmer, Mike Prinke, was among over 1,000 workers cut by the Fortnite developer. Sweeney stated that medical information was not a factor in the layoff decisions and that the company is now ensuring Prinke's family has their insurance needs met.
Moss developer Polyarc is laying off staff
Virtual Reality developer Polyarc, known for the Moss series, has announced an unspecified number of layoffs. The company cited the cancellation of a major project and an inability to secure further funding as the reasons for the significant reduction in staff. Polyarc expressed gratitude to the impacted employees for their contributions.
VR developer Polyarc Games facing layoffs, unspecified number of employees affected
VR developer Polyarc Games has announced company-wide layoffs due to the cancellation of a major project and an inability to secure further funding. The studio, known for the adventure game Moss, stated that a significant reduction in staff was necessary. This situation reflects a broader trend of workforce reductions within the VR industry, with Meta also implementing cuts across its Reality Labs division.
Eidos Montreal Lays Off 124 Staff As Studio Head Departs
Eidos Montréal has laid off 124 employees due to changing project needs and has announced the departure of studio head David Anfossi. This marks the studio's third round of layoffs within the past year, with plans for new leadership to be announced soon.
Roblox rival and Deus Ex dev the latest to be hit by video game layoffs
The video game industry is experiencing widespread layoffs, with major companies like Epic Games and Eidos-Montréal reducing their workforces. Even successful titles like Fortnite are not immune, as Epic Games let go of 1,000 employees. Several studios, including Rec Room and Ivy Road, are shutting down entirely due to financial difficulties and a challenging market, particularly in VR.
Cancellation Of Almost-Complete Game From Eidos Montreal Resulted In Layoffs - Report
A report indicates that recent mass layoffs at Eidos Montreal were caused by the cancellation of an almost-complete project codenamed P11. The open-world, third-person action-adventure game reportedly cost hundreds of millions of dollars and was slated for release this year. Studio head David Anfossi also departed following the layoffs.
