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According to Bloomberg, Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, is set to lay off approximately 16 percent of its workforce. The layoffs will affect around 830 employees, as confirmed in a statement from Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO. Sweeney stated that the company plans to sell Bandcamp, an independent music storefront it acquired just last year, to music licensing platform Songtradr. Additionally, Epic will spin off SuperAwesome, a "kid-tech" company specializing in creating safe online experiences for children.
The layoffs are attributed to the company's financial situation, with Sweeney acknowledging that Epic had been spending more money than it was earning. Notably, Sweeney did not offer an apology to the affected employees but mentioned that his optimism about avoiding layoffs due to overspending had been unrealistic.
There had been prior rumors of potential layoffs at Epic Games, particularly as the company sought investment. Speculation suggested that layoffs could be a way to reduce expenses and facilitate fundraising efforts. This announcement comes amid a challenging period for the video game industry, with various companies making significant changes.
Embracer Group, for example, canceled multiple projects, closed an entire studio, and considered selling another following the failure of a $2 billion investment deal. Activision Blizzard has also laid off employees, including those in its Hearthstone division and esports department. BioWare, known for foundational games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, has undergone layoffs as well. Sega recently announced the cancellation of the live-service shooter Hyenas before its launch, with layoffs expected at the game's developer, Creative Assembly.
Epic Games' substantial layoffs will further intensify competition in the video game job market, making it increasingly challenging for affected employees to find new opportunities.
Certainly, here are more details about the layoffs at Epic Games and the circumstances surrounding them:
- Epic Games is expected to lay off approximately 16 percent of its workforce, which equates to around 830 employees.
- These layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort within the company.
- Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, issued a statement confirming the layoffs. In the statement, he acknowledged that the company had been spending more money than it was earning, leading to the need for cost-cutting measures.
- Sweeney mentioned that as a result of these layoffs, Epic intends to sell Bandcamp, an independent music storefront that it had acquired just the previous year. The buyer is set to be music licensing platform Songtradr.
- Additionally, Epic Games plans to spin off SuperAwesome, a company specializing in creating safe online experiences for children. This move indicates a strategic shift in Epic's business focus.
- The layoffs at Epic Games are attributed to the company's financial situation. Tim Sweeney's statement does not delve into specific financial details but acknowledges that Epic had been spending beyond its means.
- Notably, in his statement, Tim Sweeney did not issue an apology to the affected employees for the disruption caused by the layoffs. Instead, he expressed regret that his optimism about avoiding layoffs due to overspending had been unrealistic.
- The announcement of layoffs at Epic Games comes at a time when the video game industry, as a whole, has been facing various challenges and changes.
- Other companies in the industry, such as Embracer Group and Activision Blizzard, have also implemented layoffs and made significant business decisions in response to changing circumstances and financial pressures.
- With Epic Games laying off a significant number of employees, the job market in the video game industry is expected to become even more competitive.
- The layoffs add to the challenges faced by those in the industry seeking new employment opportunities.
Overall, the layoffs at Epic Games represent a significant development in the gaming industry, reflecting broader financial pressures and changes within the company. The impact on the affected employees and the competitive job market for video game professionals remains a key concern.