Sadly, the game industry layoff news is not stopping, as PlayStation’s Media Molecule studio is reportedly next in line with cuts of 15 to 20 percent of its staff, according to a Sports Illustrated via GameIndustry.Biz.
Staff were told of the change in numbers at the studio at an internal meeting that happened today, with the outlet’s sources revealing the PlayStation developer is aiming to bring its total workforce down from 135 to 115, with 20 employees set to be affected. Following the initial report, Media Molecule has released a statement on Twitter.
“Media Molecule has made significant strategic changes during the past year, including shifting our focus from Dreams to our new project. We have had to make the difficult decision to begin the consultation process for team members within certain departments of the studio. This is a tough moment for the individuals impacted and the studio overall,” Media Molecule said in a statement.
“Every single role that has been put at risk is delivered by someone who has contributed something special to Media Molecule. We will make sure those impacted receive the best support we can provide during this process.”
PlayStation is no stranger to the recent string of industry-wide layoffs as this most recent cut of job follows Naughty Dog laying off dozens of contractor workers plus shutting down a whole studio in Concrete Genie developer PixelOpus back in May.
As for where Media Molecule goes from here, the message is clear: even with the horrible news, the studio is looking to develop its next identity from Dreams to its new upcoming project. It sounds like this is a most recent development as far as a major shift, so it will be a while before we even hear an official announcement, let alone when we can get our hands on it.
