Guerrilla Games and Insomniac Games, two prominent studios under Sony’s PlayStation umbrella, have been affected by recent layoffs. The news comes as part of Sony’s decision to cut 900 jobs across its PlayStation teams. Guerrilla Games, the developer behind the popular Horizon Forbidden West game, is reportedly reducing its staff by 10 percent, which amounts to approximately 40 employees. Insomniac Games, known for their work on the Spider-Man series, has also confirmed that they have been impacted by the layoffs.
In a statement shared on social media, Insomniac Games expressed their sentiments about the situation, stating, “There are no sufficient words to express our feelings about it. This is a solemn and unprecedented moment for our studio.” They further emphasized their commitment to supporting those affected by the layoffs and acknowledged the contributions made by the departing employees.
Guerrilla Games, which was acquired by Sony in 2005, has gained recognition for its work on the Horizon series. The studio recently released the Burning Shores expansion for Horizon Forbidden West and collaborated with Firesprite on the PS VR2 title, Horizon Call of the Mountain. Despite the layoffs, Guerrilla Games assured fans that they will continue working on the Horizon franchise for the foreseeable future. This includes the development of a third game centered around the protagonist Aloy, an upcoming Netflix adaptation, and a co-op-focused online project. There have also been rumors of a remastered version of Zero Dawn in the works.
Additionally, next month will see the launch of the Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PC. This edition combines the base game and expansion, along with various in-game items such as exclusive poses and face paint for Photo Mode, outfits, weapons, and resources packs.
The layoffs at Guerrilla Games and Insomniac Games are part of a larger restructuring effort within Sony’s PlayStation division. The company aims to streamline its operations and adapt to the ever-changing gaming industry. While the news is undoubtedly disheartening for those affected, it is important to acknowledge the contributions these studios have made to the gaming community and their dedication to their respective projects.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like Sony to find a balance between business decisions and supporting their employees. The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the studios themselves, affecting the lives and careers of talented individuals. It is our hope that those affected will find new opportunities and continue to contribute their skills and creativity to the gaming industry.
In conclusion, the recent layoffs at Guerrilla Games and Insomniac Games have sent shockwaves through the gaming community. These studios, known for their exceptional work on popular titles, have been forced to reduce their staff as part of Sony’s restructuring efforts. While the future may seem uncertain for those affected, their contributions to the gaming industry will not be forgotten. As fans, we can only hope that these talented individuals find new opportunities and continue to create memorable gaming experiences for us all.