It looks as though ArenaNet is suffering a fresh round of layoffs, as Jennifer Scheurle, a lead designer on one of the Guild Wars 2 company’s other in-development games, announced on Twitter that she’s been let go “as part of a re-shuffling of projects.”
Well.
I just lost my job at ArenaNet as of today as part of a re-shuffling of projects, which means I am looking for a job as a Game Designer pretty much immediately.
— Jennifer Scheurle (@Gaohmee) October 14, 2020
MMO fans will recall that at the top of 2019, ArenaNet suffered heavy layoffs as 143 people were turned out from the company as a result of NCsoft restructuring. While Guild Wars 2 itself reported an increase in its team size and NCsoft clearly decided to reinvest in the game (the End of Dragons expansion is proof of that), the unannounced games on the company’s roster were reduced, though we continued to see rumors of new games cooking, including a new mobile and console title.
It’s not clear which unannounced games have been “reshuffled” or canceled, what impact it might have on Guild Wars 2 itself, or how many developers were affected. As always, our sympathies lie with the rank-and-file developers harmed by the move.
My heart goes out to all those affected by ArenaNet's apparently annual layoffs.
If you're looking for work, this huge list of game studios and job boards may be a good place to start.
Good luck and much love to you all. https://t.co/DHLRhl6VP6
— Mitch Dyer (@MitchyD) October 14, 2020
Further reading on what ArenaNet’s been up to:
I know there's a bunch of #ArenaNet devs looking for jobs. Question is looking for a Level Designer, 100% Remote.https://t.co/U0EVt4ull7
— Nick Crosgrove 🎮 (@OccultGameDev) October 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/LoreseekersCast/status/1316524399571410944
We're sorry to hear about the @ArenaNet layoffs. If you were affected, we're hiring:
– Senior Boss Designer
– Senior Level Designer
– Boss Designer
– Senior Combat Designer
– Combat Designer
– Mid/Senior Technical Designer
– Environment Artist
Apply here: https://t.co/y4zvRhK1cB— Gunfire Games (@gunfire_games) October 14, 2020
Really sad to hear about the layoffs at #ArenaNet. Hope everyone is able to land on their feet… awful tough time for this to happen.
Not sure if it helps, but we do have some openings. Maybe something there for someone!https://t.co/oExA6aFPdo
— Justin (@JustinDazet) October 14, 2020
Very sad to hear about the additional layoffs at ArenaNet.
We are hiring at Forward Game Studios @fwdGameStudios for the multi-platform AAA game we are currently developing in UE4. @simplyundrea @mitchyD #gamedevjobs #gamejobs #gamedevelopers— Steve Nix (@stevenix) October 14, 2020
My condolences to folks hit by the ArenaNet layoffs. We are currently hiring across a ton of roles right now, and are remote to start (with eventual expectation you'll join us in Montreal) #gamejobs https://t.co/nt6ewXTLI5
— Old DeuTaranomy 🐺 (@kindofstrange) October 14, 2020
So sorry to hear about the #ArenaNet layoffs today. Here at ForwardXP / Forward Game Studios we're looking for amazing talent and have a number of openings here in Dallas: https://t.co/WagOrI90Vt?
— Mike Crassweller (@zoomba) October 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/_kevinatari/status/1316491920957374466
To those at ArenaNet who have been laid off, check https://t.co/1g7KT9lgCB for some opportunities.
— Jeff Braddock – #SoCalTexan (@Braddock512) October 14, 2020