Following yesterday’s coverage of Rockstar San Diego’s layoffs, comes round 2 of industry losses. The Agency developer Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has announced to IndustryGamers that it has let go of 41 people, which equals 5% of its workforce. This estimate is in response to a statement released earlier to Joystiq, quoting losses of only 4% of SOE’s full-time workforce.
"In a move to better align the company’s resources against areas of growth that meet consumer demand in today’s online market as well as improve operational efficiency, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated just over four per cent of its full-time workforce, equalling 35 people. The changes will better position SOE to deliver against its emphasis on developing games for a wider, more diverse audience and remaining a worldwide leader in online gaming," said SOE’s senior PR director, Scott Gulbransen, while speaking with Joystiq.
In an amended response to IndustryGamers, another SOE spokesperson admitted that loses were greater than previously stated.
"In a move to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated five per cent of its full-time workforce, equalling 41 people. SOE looks forward to continuing its leadership role in the online games industry as it celebrates the highly successful launch of Free Realms, the 10-year commemoration of its ground-breaking EverQuest franchise, and the continued performance of the company’s other games."
It’s unfortunate that these losses have to occur, but in the end it should help the companies involved maximize their resources and produce better games for us to enjoy, Best of luck to those involved.
[Edge]
