It’s Friday afternoon, which often portends bad news. Tonight, we’re looking at more Daybreak layoffs. Massively OP understands that between 60 and 70 people may have been affected.
Former SOE/Daybreak President John Smedley acknowledged the news on Twitter with a little bit of shade thrown in for good measure. The H1Z1 team (now Z1 Battle Royale) also tweeted its condolences.
https://twitter.com/j_smedley/status/1071150203363713024
https://twitter.com/j_smedley/status/1071150885433044992
We have just found out about the staffing event that occurred today at Daybreak Games. We encourage anyone affected to reach out to us as we are actively hiring. Our best wishes go out to all involved.
— Z1BR (@Z1BattleRoyale) December 7, 2018
Daybreak’s formal statement characterizes the layoffs as “optimization.”
“We are optimizing our structure to ensure we best position ourselves for continued success in the years to come. This effort has required us to make some changes within the organization and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted in this difficult time. As we look to improve efficiencies and realign resources, we remain focused on supporting our existing games and development of our future titles.”
MOP readers will recall that this is not the first major layoff for the company this year; a large number of employees were let go in April as well, and this past fall, the H1Z1 pro esports league has been entangled in a financial crisis. It is not immediately clear whether those affected were working on live or upcoming games, though we understand the company was indeed working on multiple private projects. [Update] We now understand from sources that those laid off may have been working on a secret game with a top IP (at the Austin studio – now confirmed publicly by Variety). It sounds as if the core MMORPGs are safe.
As always, our sincerest condolences to the rank-and-file developers always affected by these catastrophes; may you all land on your feet.
