Playstation’s Visual Arts is the latest casualty of the wave of layoffs in the gaming industry. Read on to learn more about the details of the event, and statements from some of the affected individuals.
PlayStation's Visual Arts Faces Staff Reductions
In a saddening turn of events uncovered by Video Game Chronicle or VGC, PlayStation's Visual Arts has become the latest casualty in a series of layoffs affecting the gaming industry. Several affected individuals, including accomplished names in the field, have taken to the internet to announce their dismissals and explore new opportunities.
One of the affected developers, Daniel Bellemere, a senior designer, shared the news on LinkedIn. "Unfortunately, following a wave of layoffs, last week was my last at PlayStation," he stated. Despite the disappointment, he expressed his gratitude for the chance to work with talented colleagues on successful projects and that he is actively seeking his next challenge. Bellemere is known for his work on AAA blockbuster titles such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Immortals Fenyx Rising.
Sean Teo, an artist for the critically acclaimed The Last of Us Part 1, also took to LinkedIn to bid his farewells. "My contract at PlayStation Visual Arts has unfortunately come to an end. I am currently looking for a new role and I am flexible with working on video games, cinematic films, and commercial work." he stated.
Additionally, Matt Barney, another former employee, stated on LinkedIn that he already knew that this was coming, given the tsunami of layoffs occurring in the gaming industry as of late. He started the said post with "Goodbye PlayStation / Sony Interactive Entertainment, it’s been real! 👋 For the past few months, I knew this layoff wave was coming 🌊 I love PlayStation & I always will… I mean, I stayed when I had the chance to leave, so obviously!".
Industry-wide Turmoil Continues
Unfortunately, PlayStation's Visual Arts does not stand alone in this struggle. The gaming industry as a whole has witnessed waves of layoffs in 2023. Industry giants like Epic, Microsoft, Riot Games, EA, Take-Two, Twitch, Meta, Unity, Ubisoft, CD Projekt, Roblox, Embracer, Amazon, and Sega, have all laid off a fraction of their employees to cut their costs. These moves have ultimately affected livelihoods and stability, projecting an air of uncertainty regarding employees’ job security.
Embracer's Restructuring Efforts
Among the companies hit by these waves, Embracer has been restructuring rather aggressively. Last August, the company announced the immediate shutdown of Volition Games, the developer behind Saints Row. They also expressed the possibility of selling the acclaimed Borderlands developer Gearbox. Additionally, Saber Interactive, another Embracer-owned company, has halted the development of the multiplayer features of its Evil Dead game.
These situations highlight the challenges faced by the gaming industry, with even well-established companies experiencing difficulties with adapting to the rapidly changing landscape. As gaming companies undergo restructuring, Players and professionals alike can only hope for stability and positive developments in the days to come.
