Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Volkswagen confirms cutting 50,000 jobs as part of its survival plan
The Volkswagen Group has announced a significant 'transformation program' that will involve substantial job cuts, potentially leading to 50,000 layoffs. This plan also includes the possibility of factory closures and the shutdown of certain brands as part of its survival strategy.
How does Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney reckon we can fight the industry's "Crash 2.0"? By building more factories
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believes the gaming industry is facing its biggest crash since 1983, attributing it to market contraction and rising development costs. He specifically highlights component shortages, exacerbated by AI data center demand, as a critical threat that will likely persist for three years, necessitating the construction of new factories to meet global capacity needs.
Keeper PS5 Trophy Listing Indicates Impending Release – Rumor
A PlayStation Trophy listing for the adventure game Keeper suggests an impending release on PlayStation 5, following its original launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The article also touches on Double Fine Productions' recent independence from Microsoft, the studio's subsequent layoffs, and the positive reception of Keeper despite its niche appeal.
Uber is cutting around 3,000 jobs in the name of efficiency
Uber is implementing significant job cuts, affecting approximately 3,000 employees as part of an efficiency drive. The company is also mandating that nearly all remote workers return to the office.
Elder Scrolls Online shares a peek at its Warden refresh, which is still on track for 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios has provided an update on the planned refresh for the Warden class in The Elder Scrolls Online, confirming it is still on track for a 2027 release. The refresh aims to preserve the class's core identity while addressing visual elements and skill line issues, with new abilities and visual updates shown. The studio also announced that Templar changes will follow the Warden refresh, shifting from the previously planned Sorcerer update.
"You can’t just throw new people at that problem": Bethesda devs doubt future Elder Scrolls and Fallout games will have the same "quality level", after losing seasoned staff to Xbox cuts
Unionized Bethesda Game Studios staff are expressing doubts about the company's ability to maintain its historical quality level for future Elder Scrolls and Fallout games following significant layoffs by Microsoft. Developers cite the loss of seasoned employees and institutional knowledge as critical factors that cannot be easily replaced, leading to concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls VI and other titles. Negotiations over severance terms are ongoing, with union members feeling Microsoft's offers are insufficient.
Star Wars Zero Company studio Bit Reactor reportedly furloughed 80% of staff prior to release
Despite the critical and commercial success of Star Wars Zero Company, its developer Bit Reactor reportedly furloughed 80% of its staff shortly before launch. This decision, made by the studio itself rather than EA or Disney, has led to a lawsuit from a former COO seeking $20 million in damages over alleged contract breaches.
Former id Software producer says the team faced the 'worst crunch' in the series' history on Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations: 'There were days where I didn't see my son'
Former id Software producer Andrew Willis revealed that the team experienced severe crunch conditions while developing Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations, describing it as the worst in the series' history. This intense period of overwork, which included days of 12-17 hour shifts, occurred shortly before many developers on the expansion team were laid off by Xbox. The article also touches on the game's sales performance relative to Doom Eternal and the studio's overall health post-layoffs.
Bethesda Employees Thought They Were Safe From Layoffs Thanks to Skyrim, Fallout
Former Bethesda Game Studios Austin developer Anne Barrett shared that employees felt secure from layoffs due to the success of games like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and Fallout, making Xbox's subsequent announcements even more shocking and devastating. The layoffs resulted in a significant drop in morale and a loss of institutional knowledge crucial for the company's proprietary game engine.
Life is Strange developer Don't Nod look primed for layoffs, as the studio announces a "transformation intitiative"
Life is Strange developer Don't Nod is initiating a "transformation initiative" that is likely to result in layoffs, as the company cites deteriorating economic conditions in the video game industry. The studio has convened employee representative bodies to discuss a potential job protection plan and has begun negotiations with labor unions.
Despite horrendous layoffs, obscene hardware prices, and everything else, Saber Interactive exec says 'this is a…
Despite industry-wide challenges like layoffs and high hardware prices, Saber Interactive's Tim Willits believes it's a good time for game development due to accessible platforms like mobile phones and Fortnite. He encourages developers to create games and suggests laid-off talent will be reabsorbed by the industry.
Bit Reactor furloughed most of the Star Wars Zero Company devs weeks before launch
Developer Bit Reactor furloughed approximately 80 percent of its staff weeks before the launch of its debut title, Star Wars Zero Company. The studio stated the decision was independent of publisher EA and owner Disney, and that they hope to rehire the affected employees. Despite the internal turmoil, the game has received positive reviews and is performing well on Steam.
Star Wars Zero Company studio furloughed staff right before the strategy game launched due to reportedly running low on…
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor reportedly furloughed most of its staff just weeks before the strategy game's launch due to financial difficulties. The studio claims it intends to rehire employees if sales are strong, but former staff have accused management of concealing the furloughs. Despite these issues, the game is performing well on Steam and has received positive reviews.
Life is Strange and Aphelion studio Don't Nod probably facing layoffs again, as it announces ominous-sounding "transformation initiative"
French developer Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange and Aphelion, is initiating a "transformation initiative" that strongly suggests impending layoffs. The company cited "profound changes in the economic conditions of the video game industry" and deteriorating economic indicators as reasons for adapting its operating model, with negotiations underway for a job-preservation plan.
I Am Begging One Cool Billionaire To Take Up Double Fine’s Offer To Fund Brutal Legend 2
Double Fine is seeking $100 million in pledges to fund Brutal Legend 2 through a Kickstarter campaign, following its split from Microsoft. The studio is also running a two-week game jam called Amnesia Fortnight to prototype other game ideas, with some chosen by supporters for further development. The article notes that Double Fine recently underwent layoffs affecting 23 employees.
Laid off id Software developer says crunch on Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC was "brutal" with up to 17-hour days
A former id Software developer described the crunch for Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations DLC as "brutal," with days reaching up to 17 hours. This developer, Andrew Willis, was subsequently laid off by Microsoft along with many other id Software employees shortly after the DLC's release. The article highlights the intense working conditions and the subsequent job losses impacting the studio.
Dwarf Fortress' creator says the industry's in shambles over AI and layoff-happy CEOs: 'Everyone I know, their bosses are slowly getting psychosis'
Dwarf Fortress creator Tarn Adams expresses deep concern over the current state of the game industry, citing widespread layoffs and the problematic integration of generative AI. He believes these trends are unsustainable and are leading to a 'psychosis' among industry leaders, drawing parallels to past economic downturns.
Up To 80% Of Bit Reactor Furloughed Ahead Of Star Wars: Zero Company Launch, It’s Reported
Reports indicate that up to 80% of the staff at Bit Reactor have been furloughed due to financial difficulties, despite the upcoming launch of their Star Wars game. This situation has created significant hardship for the studio's employees.
Star Wars Zero Company dev stopped paying staff weeks before launch
Developer Bit Reactor placed 80% of its staff on mandatory unpaid leave weeks before the launch of Star Wars Zero Company due to financial difficulties. While the game is performing well on Steam, the studio's future and ability to rehire furloughed employees remain uncertain, especially given Electronic Arts' recent financial restructuring.
Star Wars Zero Company studio furloughed staff before the game was released
Most of Bit Reactor, the studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, was furloughed before the game's release, with reports indicating up to 80% of the team was affected. Despite positive reviews and "triple-A polish," the studio cited financial instability and hoped a successful launch would allow them to rehire staff.
