Sony San Diego suffers layoffs

PlayStation has laid off an unconfirmed number of employees from its San Diego development studios.

GamesIndustry confirmed the layoffs, which closely follow a round of job cuts made at the platform holder’s London Studio. The London team was just winding down after its first major VR project.

The San Diego studio was working on the unreleased Drawn To Death (pictured), as well as last year’s Guns Up and this summer’s Kill Strain. It is also responsible for Sony’s Major League Baseball series.

However, it is believed the layoffs were – as with London – centred around virtual reality. Back in March, the studio’s director Christian Phillips confirmed the team was involved with development of a VR project. Presumably this is winding down, just as Sony London’s title has, ahead of PlayStation VR’s launch in October.

In a statement, a Sony representative confirmed there has been “a reduction in headcount” at the San Diego studio, but that the team working on MLB The Show “has not been affected”.

“We continually evaluate teams and programs at SIE Worldwide Studios to ensure we have the proper resources in place to deliver innovative products within a competitive landscape,” the spokesperson continued. 

“As projects are completed, it is natural to review and restructure teams around current and future needs. We wish our departing team members success as they pursue new opportunities and we have nothing but heart-felt thanks for their contributions to PlayStation."