Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
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.
Tim Sweeney Gets Savaged Online For 'Out Of Touch' Layoff Post
Tim Sweeney is facing significant online criticism for a recent post about layoffs, with some commenters calling for his resignation. The backlash highlights concerns about out-of-touch corporate communication during workforce reductions.
Doom co-creator John Romero is "not going to stop making games" despite the state of the industry because…
Despite the current challenging state of the video game industry marked by layoffs and concerns over generative AI, Doom co-creator John Romero remains determined to continue making games. He and his wife Brenda Romero, who also runs Romero Games, acknowledge the difficulties but are committed to their craft, finding inspiration in the potential for creating new and exciting projects.
Tim Sweeney Gets Savaged Online For 'Out Of Touch' Layoff Post
Tim Sweeney faced significant online criticism for a recent post regarding layoffs, which many perceived as out of touch. The article also touches upon Housemarque's development of Saros, a new game that evolves the challenging formula of Returnal, with developer Gregory Louden discussing the studio's approach to difficulty.
'The industry's in a really horrible place,' Brenda Romero says: 'We were there in the '80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier'
Brenda and John Romero, industry veterans who experienced the 1980s game industry crash, state that the current situation is even worse, with widespread layoffs affecting many. They express uncertainty about the future, noting the industry's struggles despite successes like Battlefield 6 and the ongoing debate around generative AI adoption.
"We were there in the 80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier." John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisis
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, likening it to the 1983 crash and describing it as "definitely crashier." Romero Games faced significant downsizing due to a funding pull, leading to a dramatic reduction in staff. Despite these challenges and industry-wide layoffs, the Romeros remain committed to developing their new game and express passion for creating 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.
Meta reportedly lays off around 700 workers, Reality Labs division affected
Meta has reportedly laid off approximately 700 employees, with its Reality Labs division being significantly impacted. This follows an earlier reduction in the Reality Labs workforce that led to the closure of three VR studios. Separately, the German games market saw a 4% growth in 2025, reaching €9.4 billion, primarily driven by hardware sales from new consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Ally.
Nintendo cuts Switch 2 production, layoffs at Epic and PlayStation, and another Saudi acquisition - Patch Notes #45
This week's Patch Notes covers significant industry news including over 1,000 layoffs at Epic Games, Savvy Games Group's $6 billion acquisition of Moonton, and Nintendo's decision to cut Switch 2 production by over 30 percent due to weak US sales. Additionally, Sony has shuttered Dark Outlaw Games, and French studios Spiders, Kylotonn, and Cyanide have filed for insolvency.
Game Music Legend Can’t Find Work: 50 Applications, 1 Interview
A veteran composer with credits on classic games like Deus Ex and Unreal has reportedly applied to 50 jobs in the last year and received only one interview, highlighting significant challenges in the current game industry hiring market. This situation reflects broader trends of layoffs and cost-cutting measures impacting experienced professionals across various development roles, raising concerns about the sustainability of innovation and talent retention.
Fortnite’s Having Its Villain Era and Players Are Not Here for It
Fortnite players are expressing significant frustration over recent decisions by Epic Games, including V-Bucks price increases and widespread layoffs, which they perceive as corporate greed. The community criticizes the focus on monetization through collaborations and cosmetics over core gameplay improvements. This backlash comes as the game faces increased competition, with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially impacting player retention.
Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making 'as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe's better at that than you'
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney for recent layoffs of over 1000 employees, questioning the motivation for hard work at the company. Faliszek contrasted Epic's actions with Valve's approach to employee retention and rewards, suggesting that Epic's practices damage the industry's passion and care. Epic Games did not directly respond to Faliszek's remarks but pointed to a previous statement addressing the layoffs.
It's brutal out there: Deus Ex and Unreal composer says he's submitted 50 resumes and gotten one interview in…
Composer Alexander Brandon, known for his work on Deus Ex and Unreal, has experienced significant difficulty finding employment in the game industry, submitting 50 resumes with only one interview. Brandon also co-hosted a Game Developers Conference roundtable discussing the impact of AI on game audio production, highlighting concerns about job displacement and the ethical implications of AI in development.
One unfortunate Fortnite developer was laid off twice by Epic Games
An Epic Games developer was laid off twice following recent mass redundancies at the company. The article highlights the impact of these layoffs on individual employees within the gaming industry.
New AAA games could cost $300 million or "much more" to make, insider says, which might help "explain the current state of the industry" amid layoffs and studio closures
Insider reports suggest that AAA game development budgets are now reaching $300 million or significantly more, contributing to the ongoing industry issues like layoffs and studio closures. Companies like Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft have recently undergone significant downsizing. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of current development costs.
Analyst says Epic Games layoffs send a clear signal: 'This will not get any easier'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced over 1,000 layoffs due to a decline in Fortnite engagement since 2025, leading to the company spending more than it earns. Analysts suggest this signals a challenging period for the entire industry, exacerbated by inflation and increased competition from platforms like Roblox. The company is also shutting down several Fortnite game modes, including Rocket Racing and Festival Battle Stage.
