Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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"Most" of the Destiny 2 team is being laid off as Bungie says the MMO "fell short of expectations these past several years," some Marathon devs also affected
Bungie has announced significant layoffs, affecting most of the Destiny 2 team and some Marathon developers, citing that Destiny 2 fell short of expectations and the studio could no longer operate at its previous size. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Herman Hulst confirmed the workforce reduction, stating it was necessary to align Bungie's resources with its current priorities and long-term goals, while Marathon remains a supported part of their portfolio.
Bungie Confirms Layoffs, “Most” Of Destiny Team Let Go
Bungie has confirmed company-wide layoffs, impacting a significant portion of its workforce, including most of the Destiny 2 team and some members of the Marathon development team. Studio leadership cited Destiny 2 falling short of expectations and the need to align resources with current priorities and future projects. This reorganization follows Sony's acquisition of Bungie in 2022, amidst a broader shift in PlayStation's focus away from live-service games.
Sony Confirms 'Significant' Bungie Layoffs Include 'Most of the Destiny Team and Some Marathon Team Members', as Bungie Admits 'Destiny 2 Fell Short of Expectations'
Sony confirmed significant layoffs at Bungie, impacting most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members. Bungie acknowledged that Destiny 2 fell short of expectations, following the end of its new content and amid lackluster player numbers for the new launch Marathon.
Amid reports Xbox is preparing for significant layoffs, a wave of staff at South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games announce their departure
Multiple employees have announced their departures from Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, amid reports of significant layoffs and potential studio closures within the Xbox division. These departures follow news that Microsoft is planning major restructuring across its gaming division, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory reportedly among the studios at risk.
Xbox Layoffs Appear To Be Starting With South Of Midnight Dev Compulsion
Xbox Game Studios has reportedly begun layoffs, with developers at Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, being affected. This comes as part of a larger restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma, which may see several Xbox Game Studios closed or become independent. Other studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are also reportedly in talks with Xbox to avoid closure.
Former Halo art director who complained about "fraud" and "cronyism" warns looming Xbox layoffs are a chance for bosses to settle scores
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel warns that impending Xbox layoffs could be used by executives to retaliate against employees who have raised complaints about misconduct. Israel, who claims he was driven out of his job after reporting alleged fraud and cronyism, advises current staff to seek legal counsel and document evidence before potential job cuts occur.
As Xbox studios brace for a "reset," South of Midnight developers from Compulsion Games begin looking for work
Developers from Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are leaving en masse as parent company Xbox Game Studios undergoes a significant business 'reset'. Multiple reports indicate potential layoffs or closures across several Xbox Game Studios, with Compulsion Games reportedly in talks to spin off independently. Several employees have publicly announced they are seeking new opportunities after years with the studio.
EA hit with third round of layoffs this year
Electronic Arts has conducted its third round of layoffs this year, impacting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. This follows previous staff reductions affecting developers on "Skate" and "Battlefield 6," and comes after EA's acquisition by an investor consortium last September. The company has also shed staff and studios over multiple years, including layoffs at "Apex Legends," Codemasters, BioWare, and the closure of Cliffhanger Games.
Bungie Studio Head Justin Truman Steps Down – Rumor
Bungie studio head Justin Truman is reportedly stepping down less than a year after taking the role, according to sources familiar with the situation. Truman has a long history with the company, having worked on titles like Destiny 2 and Halo: Reach. This news follows recent layoffs at Bungie, with PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst noting that many of the affected employees were from the Destiny team.
Former Xbox Employees Warn of Retaliation From Studio Leadership Ahead of Rumored Layoffs
Former Xbox employees have spoken out about alleged toxic behavior from studio leadership, warning that speaking out against superiors or filing complaints can lead to retaliation, including termination or being pressured to leave. Glenn Israel, former art director at Halo Studios, shared his experiences and advised current employees to be aware of their labor rights and to consult legal counsel if facing layoffs or disputes.
South of Midnight Studio Has Been Hit by Mass Layoffs – Rumor
A rumor from leaker Rebs Gaming suggests that Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, has experienced mass layoffs. Several employees have confirmed their departure on LinkedIn, including narrative designer Bijan Stephen and environment artist Paulette Richardson. Industry figures like Jason Schreier and Shawn Layden have commented on the situation, with Schreier suggesting Microsoft is punishing studios for past decisions and Layden stating Xbox shows a misunderstanding of the industry.
Bungie Announces Layoffs and Reorganization After Destiny 2 “Fell Short” in the Past Several Years
Bungie has announced significant layoffs and a studio reorganization, citing that Destiny 2 has fallen short of expectations in recent years. While the exact number of affected employees is not disclosed, reports suggest a substantial portion of the studio's workforce may be impacted. The company stated these changes are necessary for its future positioning, with no immediate plans for Destiny 3.
“Most of the Destiny Team” Will Face Layoffs, Confirms PlayStation Studios Head
Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst confirmed that "most of the Destiny team" and some Marathon developers at Bungie will be laid off. This follows previous workforce reductions at Bungie and aims to align the studio's resources with its long-term priorities. Support is being provided to affected employees.
Former Xbox employees warn of potential for retaliation in rumored impending layoffs
Former Xbox employees have come forward with allegations that the company may use impending layoffs as a means of retaliation against employees who have reported or pushed back against alleged toxic behavior and harassment from superiors. Legal experts advise current employees to document all evidence of abuse and their accomplishments to prepare for potential challenges.
MMO Business Roundup: EA’s latest layoffs, Overwatch’s pricy cosmetics, and GAAS nuance
This business roundup covers recent events in the MMO industry, including layoffs at Electronic Arts affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. Former Path of Exile developer Chris Wilson shared nuanced views on live service games, acknowledging drawbacks like problematic monetization and player demands. Additionally, Overwatch's high-priced Nyan Cafe cosmetic skins have drawn community backlash.
EA reportedly lays off customer service, recruitment & safety staff ahead of $55 billion Saudi sale
Electronic Arts has reportedly conducted layoffs affecting customer service, recruitment, trust and safety, and IT teams in remote roles and its Hyderabad, India office. These cuts are occurring as EA nears its planned $55 billion sale to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The company cited a need to adapt to changing fan needs as the reason for the proposed role changes.
Comings and Goings
Electronic Arts has laid off an unspecified number of employees in its fan care and recruitment departments. The exact number of affected individuals has not been disclosed by the company.
The grim industry summer continues as EA lays off staff ahead of $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia, likely to soothe the…
Electronic Arts is reportedly laying off an unknown number of staff ahead of its $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which will hold a 93.4% stake. These layoffs, affecting teams like recruitment and customer support, are occurring before the acquisition closes, likely due to EA's significant loan debt. This follows a trend of industry layoffs, including Microsoft's recent actions after acquiring Activision Blizzard, and raises concerns about sportswashing.
"This crisis was avoidable, but our bosses chose to drive blindly towards disaster": French videogame union STJV call for national industry strike day
The French video game union STJV has called for a national strike on June 25th to protest ongoing layoffs and demand industry-wide changes. The union cited mismanagement by companies like Quantic Dream, Ubisoft, and Nacon, as well as government subsidies and the rise of generative AI, as contributing factors to the crisis.
Oracle laid off 21,000 employees over the past year, citing AI as one of the reasons
Oracle has reduced its workforce by 21,000 employees over the past year, bringing its total employee count down to 141,000. The company cited artificial intelligence as one of the contributing factors for these layoffs.