PlayStation lays off 900 employees across multiple regions
Not too long ago, Riot Games announced massive layoffs, shutting down entire divisions, after a change in strategies. Last Night, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) / PlayStation announced worldwide layoffs.
With the announcement, PlayStation and SIE join the likes of Microsoft and Tencent owned Riot Games that have laid off employees in recent times.
The layoffs affect 900 employees across multiple divisions and regions. The affected divisions include Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, Guerilla and Firesprite. Including a complete shutdown of PlayStation Studios’ London Studio.
The next few days/weeks will be consulting and meetings with the affected employees. The affected US employees were notified yesterday. There will be a next career support program in Japan. The employees leaving will receive support and severance benefits.
According to Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE,
“changes need to be made to continue to grow the business and develop the company. We had to step back, look at our business holistically, and move forward focusing on the long-term sustainability of the company and delivering the best experiences possible for our community.”
The layoffs are an attempt to “streamline our resources.” As noted by Herman Hulst of Playstation Studios, the layoffs, downsizing and shutdowns owe to the “shifts within the market or industry result(ing) in a change of plan.”
Both the letters from Jim Ryan and Herman Hulst read similar to the Riot Game layoffs. While it wasn’t directly mentioned, the reason for the layoffs across the board is the ongoing global economic crisis. The layoffs impact all the sectors, and they’d continue until the global economy stabilizes.
Our condolences go out to all those affected by the recent layoffs. Our thoughts are with them as they move forward.
Featured Image Credits: PlayStation// Sony Interactive Entertainment
Read More: Riot Games Layoffs 11% Employees across 530 Roles