Layoffs hit SOE Austin, San Diego studios

Sony Online Entertainment has confirmed a round of layoffs at its San Diego and Austin offices.

It is unknown just how many workers will lose their jobs but a source tells PC Gamer that as many as 200 might be affected, with about half of the cuts coming from SOE’s customer support and quality assurance departments.

“As part of a strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its workforce, SOE announced today that it will eliminate positions in both its San Diego and Austin studios,” reads a company statement.

“This strategic alignment of resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online games, as well as to align development resources towards our current portfolio of MMOs and the highly-anticipated future installments of the EverQuest franchise, EverQuest Next Landmark and EverQuest Next.”

A community manager posted a slightly more personal message on the DC Universe site, assuring fans that it was a difficult but necessary decision and that employees were being treated with respect.

“As a company, our goal is to focus on our core expertise of MMO games and as part of these efforts, we had to make the difficult decision to eliminate positions to help reduce costs, streamline our employee base and strategically align resources towards our current portfolio of games and upcoming slate of MMOs, including EverQuest Next Landmark and EverQuest Next,” wrote an SOE community relationship manager.

“We deeply value our employees and are grateful for all they’ve contributed to our company and games. They will be missed by colleagues and friends, and we wish them well in the future.”