Sony’s Santa Monica studio cuts staff

Sony has laid off a number of staff from its Santa Monica studio.

Last month, it had looked as though the studio might be expanding. Instead SCEA has told IGN that it has begun a round of layoffs at the studio best known for developing the God of War series.

“SCEA can confirm that we have completed a reduction in workforce at Santa Monica Studio,” reads the company’s statement.

“This is a result of a cycle of resource re-alignment against priority growth areas within SCE WWS. We do not take these decisions lightly. However, sometimes it is necessary to make changes to better serve the future projects of the studio. We have offered outplacement services and severance packages to ease transition for those impacted.”

The cuts were first reported through unnamed sources, who claimed that there were signs that one of the studio’s projects has been scrapped as a result of today’s layoffs.

Sony Santa Monica’s last major project was God of War: Ascension. The studio is also a major support branch, working with the likes of Thatgamecompany on Journey and Giant Sparrow on The Unfinished Swan.