Epic Video games, the North Carolina-based studio behind Fortnite and Unreal Engine, has suffered a big spherical of layoffs.
First reported by Bloomberg, Epic Video games is shedding 830 workers, or about 16 p.c of its workforce. Epic Video games shared a memo CEO Tim Sweeney despatched out to workers in a brand new weblog publish.
The memo reveals Epic is “divesting” music service platform Bandcamp and can spin off most of SuperAwesome, a kid-safe expertise firm. Each had been acquired by Epic Video games in 2022 and 2020, respectively.
You may learn the total memo beneath.
In the meantime, a number of workers at Epic-owned Mediatonic, the developer of Fall Guys, have taken to the social media platform X (previously Twitter) to announce they’ve been made redundant as a part of the layoffs.
So yeah, it is wanting like I is likely to be getting laid off. If anybody has any Stage Design roles going I might drastically respect any pointers or connections ♥️
— Max Boyle ?️? (@BoyleInThe_Bag) September 28, 2023
Sadly, I’m one of many individuals affected by the layoffs right this moment at Epic. I am completely devastated to depart behind so many wonderful Mediatonic colleagues who I beloved.
So: the job search begins! In case you want an skilled author or narrative designer, please get in contact 🙂
— Ed Concern (@edfear) September 28, 2023
Hey! I am a type of fortunate people effected by layoffs 🙂 In search of positions in design/stage design (i’ve expertise in each). If anybody has connections/hyperlinks/referrals id respect it ?
— Dorian ❄️ (@doriandotexe) September 28, 2023
Hey all! As you’ve got probably seen by means of the grapevine, I am now searching for work! My experience is inside QA Technician, automation and SDET primarily based roles. Please attain out when you have any open roles for me!
— Adrian Bennett (@Volks42) September 28, 2023
sadly, i am one of many unfortunate individuals affected by the Epic lay-offs right this moment.
if anybody is searching for an skilled artwork lead or generalist, ideally in stylized video games, please give me a shout ❤️?
— Stef (@stefscribbles) September 28, 2023
Based in 1991, Epic Video games is finest identified for creating Unreal Engine and has developed an extended checklist of video games, together with Unreal, the primary 4 entries within the Gears of Conflict sequence, and most notably the free-to-play battle royale recreation Fortnite.
Fortnite, particularly, has grow to be an especially worthwhile recreation for Epic. In 2021, Fortnite was reported to have generated $9 billion in two years and had 400 million registered customers on the time.
Information of layoffs comes simply weeks after Epic’s Chief Fortnite Architect Donald Mustard introduced his departure, with Charlie Wen, a Marvel veteran who helped design God of Conflict protagonist Kratos, changing him.
Epic Video games was embroiled in a authorized feud with tech giants Apple and Google. Nevertheless, Epic misplaced the case in 2021, with the ruling upheld by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Courtroom of Appeals earlier this yr. Epic just lately requested the U.S. Supreme Courtroom weigh in on the antitrust case.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You may observe her on Twitter @TayNixster.
