600 Blizzard employees lose jobs as company reduces workforce
Sadly even the larger studios aren’t immune to job losses and company restructuring, with Blizzard announcing today that 600 employees will lose their jobs as a result of a global reduction in workforce.
Blizzard Entertainment were quick to follow up that 90% of those affected by this decision do not come from game development departments, and that the development team working on World of Warcraft will not be impacted.
Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment, has stated that Blizzard has “had to make some difficult decisions in order to address the changing needs of our company” and that “constant evaluation of teams and processes is necessary for the long-term health of any business.” Softening the blow to those who now face an uneasy future, he added “Knowing that, it still does not make letting go of some of our team members any easier. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the people impacted by today’s announcement, we’re proud of the contributions they made here at Blizzard, and we wish them well as they move forward.”
A nice sentiment, Mike, but that’s not going to help pay the bills for those people now out of a job, is it?
Blizzard has re-affirmed that titles currently under development and published by the company will not be affected and will continue on schedule.
Source: VideoGamer.com
