Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the loss of 900 staff, approximately 8% of the company’s global headcount. This comes shortly after Microsoft made a similar move, letting go of 1900 staff.
The official statement mentions that employees across all SIE regions will be impacted, including closures and reductions in various studios and functions. In the UK, properties like PlayStation Studios’ London Studio and Firesprite studio will face closures and reductions.
Sony’s London Studio, known for creating PlayStation lifestyle brands and VR titles, will be affected. Additionally, the upcoming online multiplayer game set in London may be scrapped. Firesprite’s notable work on PlayStation VR titles, like ‘Horizon VR: Call of the Mountain,’ will also be impacted.
Global cuts are expected across other SIE regions, with impacted US employees already being notified. The company emphasizes the need to adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape and ensure they can continue delivering top gaming experiences.
Looking towards the future, Sony is gearing up for changes in the gaming industry landscape, likely focusing more on cloud gaming, services, and subscriptions. This shift in strategy aims to streamline operations and prepare for upcoming launches.
The company’s CEO, Jim Ryan, addressed the workforce reduction in an email, expressing the need to make tough decisions for the long-term success of the company. Sony aims to provide support for affected employees while focusing on delivering exceptional gaming experiences.
Despite the challenging times, Sony remains committed to delivering quality gaming experiences and adapting to meet the evolving needs of the gaming community.
