Just over a week after Columbus Nova acquired Sony Online Entertainment and renamed it Daybreak Game Company, it’s been revealed that the studio behind PlanetSide 2, H1Z1, and more has suffered layoffs.
Details on the number of people being let go are unknown with the moment, with an anonymous source close to the studio telling Kotaku that this move is being done to make the developer profitable. “Most of management keeps trying to get people pumped up about the new direction,” the source adds, “but no one knows for sure they’ll be a part of it yet.”
Following this news, Daybreak PR sent out this statement, confirming the layoffs:
As part of a strategic decision to rationalize the business, Daybreak Game Company announced today that it will eliminate positions in both its San Diego and Austin studios. This alignment of resources better positions the newly independent studio for future growth opportunities and developments, including delivering on its legacy of making top online games and establishing a solid foundation for future multi-platform success. These reductions will not affect the operation of current games and the company will continue on its mission to partner with its player community to drive the future and push the boundaries of online gaming.
Judging by their wording about current games, PlanetSide 2 for PlayStation 4 should continue as planned.
PlanetSide 2 Creative Director Matthew Higby weighed in on the news, saying, “Big round of layoffs this morning. Losing a lot of talented, hard working, irreplaceable people. Very sad day.”
Among the affected is EverQuest lead David Georgeson, who tweeted, “Yeah, I’m sorry folks but it’s true. LM, eqn, eq and eqii are no longer guided by moi. Other dreamers will steer now.”
[Source: Kotaku, Games Industry]
