The rumors were confirmed.
Massive layoffs have really begun in Activision Blizzard’s divisions. The company said it would lay off 8% of its employees. This means that 800 people will be out of work by the end of the day.
Bloomberg sources told about future cuts on Friday, February 8.
Who is being fired?
- The layoffs will affect Activision itself, Blizzard, and King. According to Kotaku, the staff of High Moon and some other studios will also be reduced.
- It is known that at least in Blizzard, people from auxiliary departments will be fired. But not game developers. This follows from a letter from Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack to employees. Earlier, sources reported that the publishing and esports divisions should be afraid.
In recent years, many of our departments that are not related to game development have grown in order to meet the needs of the company. But now the number of staff in some teams is too large, given the schedule of our releases. This means that we have to reduce some branches of our organization.
Blizzard CEO
- From the same letter to the employees, it became known that the cuts will take place both in American offices and in other regional offices.
- All the dismissed were promised bonus bonuses, severance payments and employment assistance.
Why are they being fired?
Layoffs at Activision Blizzard occur despite record financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2018. The publisher stated that he could not realize his full potential in the past year. He also lowered the forecast for 2019. Because of this, as explained by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, the company needed a reorganization.
At the same time, Activision Blizzard plans to increase the staff of developers. The number of employees who work on game projects in different departments will grow by 20%. The company outlined these plans in its financial statements for the fourth quarter.
In particular, the development teams for Call of Duty, Diablo and other major franchises will be strengthened. Thus, the company will focus on creating new games and supporting existing ones. This is partly why it is reducing departments that are not related to development.
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