Tag: Employment - Page 2
Talking Point PlayStation's Big Employment Perception Issue
In and out
Sony’s Worldwide Studios got a lot lighter this month. There’s been more hiring and firing within the platform holder’s pool of first-party developers than an episode of The Apprentice of late, with departures seemingly occurring every day. The end of SCEA president Jack Tretton’s colossal tenure was sad enough news at the...
News Uncharted PS4's Director Justin Richmond Departs Naughty Dog
Could the last one please turn out the lights?
Whip out your Sony studio boss bingo sheet, as yet another high-profile developer has bit the dust. The latest in the long line of executives to exit the manufacturer is Justin Richmond, who was acting as Uncharted PS4’s game director. His departure follows in the footsteps of Amy Hennig, who worked...
News High Profile Designer Seth Killian Has Resigned from Sony Santa Monica
Dropping like flies
Get out a pen and a mug of Horlicks – it's time to play Sony developer departure bingo. Most recently, Sony Santa Monica staffer Seth Killian has decided to jump ship, confirming the news mere weeks after the studio was ravaged with dismissals. The designer was famously involved w
News PS4 Exclusive DriveClub Not Dinged by Evolution Studios Layoffs
Project's paintwork still pristine
The confirmation of layoffs at Sony first-party outfit Evolution Studios earlier today left most racing aficionados fearing the worst for the MotorStorm creator’s inaugural PlayStation 4 outing, DriveClub. Fortunately, a spokesperson for SCEE has
News DriveClub Developer Evolution Studios Struck by Layoffs
Two other UK teams affected
We’re approaching the end of the fiscal year, which means that Sony’s still going through the process of downsizing some of its teams. Following redundancies at God of War developer Sony Santa Monica earlier in the month, the platform holder has now confirmed that there have been casualties at three of its British...
News SCEA President Jack Tretton Won't Be Dropping the Mic At Any More Sony Pressers
Goodbye old friend
Sony may have hit a homerun with the PlayStation 4 over the past few months, but it's undergoing a bit of an employment overhaul at the minute. Hot on the heels of layoffs at Sony Santa Monica and the departure of Uncharted creator
News God of War Studio Sony Santa Monica Slashed by the Blades of Corporate Chaos
By Zeus' beard
Sony Santa Monica has been hit by layoffs today, the studio has confirmed. In a statement issued to IGN, the platform holder revealed that the move is a result of “resource re-alignment” and is a decision which it “hasn’t taken lightly”. The firm added that it has offered any affected employees “outplacement services and...
News Ken Levine Closes the Booker on Irrational Games
BioShock studio caught in the Rapture
Irrational Games, the legendary developer best known for the BioShock franchise, is no more. Writing on the company’s official website, founder Ken Levine has confirmed that the studio is shutting down after an incredible 17 years of development. The outfit’s last ever release will be the second episode of...
News Unannounced Need for Speed Title Canned as Focus Turns to Battlefield
Not fast enough
With the multi-million selling first-person favourite Battlefield standing toe-to-toe with genre juggernaut Call of Duty, EA has chosen to focus its efforts on the modern military brand – but not without some casualties. Ghost Games UK, which aided production on Need for Speed: Rivals, has been hit by layoffs over the past few...
News Bethesda Issues a War Cry for 'Bleeding-Edge' PS4 RPG
Will there be any Fallout?
Last year was a rather quiet period for Bethesda, but a recent job listing for a games programmer has surfaced. The recruitment drive seeks to add new members to a "team that is pushing the bleeding-edge of role-playing game development". Alright, we're listening. With the Zenimax owned outfit set to release Wolfenstein:...
News Star Wars 1313's Creative Director Plots a Course for PS4
Not a Wookiee
Dominic Robilliard, the creative director on LucasArts’ unreleased Star Wars 1313, has fired up his jetpack and returned to Sony’s first-party fray. The developer – whose previous credits include London Studio’s underrated The Getaway games – has been working with the platform holder for over seven months now, though it’s...
News Graphics Coder Corrinne Yu Dumps Microsoft for Naughty Dog
Already loving PS4
Programmers rarely ever take centre stage in the games industry, but Corrinne Yu has enormous pedigree behind the scenes. Having cut her teeth as an elite programmer on the classic adventure title King’s Quest for the Apple II, she adopted many game development roles before eventually winding up as the Director of Technology at...
News Cory Barlog Recruiting a New Team at Sony Santa Monica
God of War II director working on something huge
Cory Barlog’s “crazy announcement” turned out to be exactly what we expected: the God of War II director is returning to his former stomping ground, Sony Santa Monica. In an enormous post on the PlayStation Blog, the outspoken developer talked candidly about the tim
News God of War II Director Cory Barlog Teases 'Crazy' Reveal
Has the king come home?
Put your hype in perspective – this is unlikely to be a game announcement. However, it’s still news worth anticipating. Cory Barlog, the man behind God of War II, has Tweeted that there’ll be a “crazy announcement” on the PlayStation Blog today. Our best guess? He’s returning to Sony Santa Monica. The outspoken
News Ratchet & Clank Writer Goes Commando, Departs Insomniac Games
Into the nexus
In an announcement that would make Captain Qwark cry, legendary writer TJ Fixman has confirmed that he’s set to depart Insomniac Games. The voice behind seven of the Ratchet & Clank titles has been lured away from game development by his screenwriter ambitions – but insists that he’ll continue to play a key role in Sony’s...
News Ninja Theory Searching for Protégés, Working on Blockbuster Game
DmC developer's latest is probably for PS4
Fresh from irritating the entirety of the Internet with its reimagining of Devil May Cry, divisive developer Ninja Theory is recruiting for a brand new blockbuster project. Last week, the Cambridge-based outfit revealed that it was on the lookout for fresh blood, and it’s since followed up with a slew of...
News Hitman Developer Struck with Layoffs as Studio Refocuses on Franchise
Kane and Lynch keeping out of trouble
You can kiss goodbye to any hopes of a Mini Ninjas sequel. A spokesperson for Square Enix Europe has told Games Industry International that Danish developer IO Interactive has had all of its projects cancelled and its workforce cut in half as it refocuses on the Hitman franchise. In the process, former...
News Job Listing Suggests That Sony Wants You to Talk to Your PS4
Conversations with consoles
We regularly whisper sweet little somethings into our PlayStation 3’s disc drive, but other than the slight purr of the system’s primary fan, we don’t get much in the way of a response. That could be about to change with the PlayStation 4, as a Linked In job listing has hinted that Sony could be about to follow in...
News Ken Kutaragi Secures a Second Job at Marvelous AQL
Father of PlayStation teams up with Soul Sacrifice developer
It’s taken a while, but it seems that Ken Kutaragi has finally followed his own controversial advice and landed himself a second job. The man behind the PlayStation, and the former chairman and CEO of SCE, has secured the role of external director at Soul Sacrifice developer Marvelous...
News Disney Dumps LucasArts in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars 1313's fate not looking good
Disney’s questionable treatment of non-Star Wars: Episode VII content has continued today with the closure of legendary video game arm LucasArts. Following the Mickey Mouse marker's acquisition of LucasFilm along with its various subsidiaries late last year, the company has opted to shutter a large portion of...
News Could Sleeping Dogs' Sequel Be Resting with the Fishes?
No Wei
Given publisher Square Enix’s volatile temperament at the moment, we’re more than a little concerned by some reports filtering out of Sleeping Dogs developer United Front Games. Apparently, the Canadian studio has been struck by a round of layoffs, following the cancellation of an "action adventure" game. Seasoned snoop Superannuation...
News Yoichi Wada Exits Square Enix Following 'Extraordinary Loss'
Final Fantasy maker down on its luck
John Riccitiello is not the only high-profile video game executive to be heading for the exit door, as Square Enix gaffer Yoichi Wada has been ousted from the company following a dire financial forecast for its current fiscal year. The outgoing boss had been in the job since 2000, but he’ll now be replaced by...
News John Riccitiello Steps Down from His Post as EA CEO
Under fire executive resigns
Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has submitted his resignation to a boardroom of (presumably) stern-looking directors. The executive’s final day will be on 30th March, the close of the company’s fiscal year. After that, he’ll be forced to pack up his ballpoint pens and Commander Shepard figurines, and leave the...
News Former Sony CEO Howard Stringer to Retire in June
Brave new world
Sony chairman and former chief executive officer Howard Stringer has announced that he will retire from his position within the firm in June. The Welsh businessman announced his departure as part of a speech at the Japan Society in New York City last week, where he revealed that he will turn his attention to the healthcare and...
News Sony Severs Ties with PlayStation All-Stars Developer
Walking away
Despite the likelihood of a sequel seeming fairly high, Sony has confirmed that it has ended its relationship with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment. The platform holder confirmed the news in a press release earlier this evening, adding that its Santa Monica studio will continue to support the release...
News Warren Spector's Junction Point Reaches the End of the Line
Mickey mania
After the reportedly dire sales of Epic Mickey 2, it’s perhaps not surprising that Disney has decided to shutter developer Junction Point today – but that doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow. The publisher, currently wrapped up in the production of Disney Infinity, confirmed the closure earlier this evening, citing its...
News Crytek Resurrects Darksiders Developers with Texas Studio
Back from the brink
Darksiders may have been caught by the scythe of Death, but that’s not stopping a number of former Vigil Games employees from finding new life at Crytek USA. The Austin-based outfit, announced earlier today, represents the ninth studio in the German firm’s portfolio. Its foundation follows closely in the footsteps of Crytek...
News Legendary Rare Developer Switches Xbox for PlayStation
Flying the first-party flag
You may not have heard of George Andreas, but you will almost certainly have played one of his games. The former Rare employee worked on a wealth of classics during his 16 year tenure at the UK studio, including Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and even GoldenEye 007. But, after playing a pivotal role in the production of
Rumour PlayStation All-Stars Developer Thumped by Layoffs
Heavy haymaker
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment has apparently been struck by a round of layoffs. According to Insomniac Games designer Mike Birkhead, around 20 employees were released earlier today. “When it rains, it pours,” he said, presumably in reference to the recent slew of job losses at defunct...
News THQ's Assets Are Divided, Deep Silver Snatches Saints Row
Thanks for the memories
The auction for THQ’s assets has concluded, with the publisher closing up shop as a result. After a gruelling 22 hour auction process, intermediaries decided that individual bids would net a greater cash return for the debt riddled company, resulting in the demise of the once prolific publisher. The new owners of many of...
News Phew, Looks Like There May Be a PlayStation All-Stars Sequel
Celebrate good times
We’ve got to admit, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s seemingly poor sales had us worried for a moment. Developer SuperBot Entertainment has crafted such an excellent starting point, that it would be a real shame if the idea didn’t get fleshed out further in a sequel – but it looks like that’s exactly what’s on...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Closes for Good
You only live twice
Blighted British developer Eurocom has been forced to close its doors just weeks after announcing huge redundancies. The Derby-based studio employed over 200 people prior to releasing 007 Legends earlier this year. It slashed that headcount to just 50 in November, before letting the remaining staff go earlier today. “Today...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Mafia Developer Aiming to "Push the Boundaries of Cutting Edge Hardware"
Period drama
Mafia II may have been disappointing from a gameplay perspective – but it remains one of the most atmospheric PlayStation 3 titles to date. As such, we’re eager to see what developer 2K Czech can achieve with next-generation hardware. Fortunately, the studio is rumoured to be working on a sequel to the open world crime drama for...
News Cliff Bleszinski Offers to Help Turn Resident Evil Around
Gears of gore
Currently unemployed video game luminary Cliff Bleszinski has offered to help resurrect Capcom’s ailing Resident Evil series. The former Epic Games employee Tweeted over the weekend, “Hey, Capcom. Call me. We can fix Resident Evil. Together.” The distinguished designer played a pivotal part in transforming Microsoft’s Gears of...
News Sony Is Slashing 2,000 Jobs in Japan
Cost cutting
Sony has announced that it will cut 2,000 jobs in Japan via an “early retirement” scheme. The Next Web notes that the cuts are set to affect the company’s head office the hardest, with 20 per cent of employees set to depart by the end of the year. The move will apparently save the manufacturer a whopping ¥30 billion (roughly $378...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Developer Changes Name, Focuses on Mobile
Dramatic turn of events
You’ve officially tarnished Nihilistic Software’s name to the point where the studio has had to completely rebrand. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified developer announced this morning that it is renaming itself to nStigate. The stud
News Starhawk Developer Shrinks, Switches to iOS Development
Times are changing
We didn’t expect Starhawk developer LightBox Interactive to stay exclusive to Sony following the release of its most recent online multiplayer shooter, but we’re a little bit disappointed by the company’s decision to step away from console development altogether. Alas, company president Dylan Jobe confirmed overnight that...
News More BioShock Infinite Developers Depart on Sky-Lines
Job done?
That brand new BioShock Infinite trailer can’t come soon enough. Following rumours of a troubled development, a further two Irrational Games employees have departed the company. Both combat designer Clint Bundrick and AI lead Don Norbury have parted ways with the project, according to
News Backbone Entertainment Is on the Cusp of Closure
Troubling times
Port specialists Backbone Entertainment may be shut down, according to sources cited by IGN. The publication notes that the company is currently downsizing, with the hope that it will be able to continue to operate with a much “smaller” team. Of course, that won’t come as much comfort to the dozens of employees facing the chop...
News Sony Is Suing Bridgestone and, Erm, Kevin Butler
Bizarre twist
Switch off Match of the Day and replace that cup of cocoa for something stronger, because things are really heating up online. A handful of court documents have revealed that Sony is in the process of suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek – which just so happens to be managed by Jerry Lambert, the actor best known...
News BioWare Co-Founders Quit Video Game Industry for Good
What's up, doc?
Affable executives Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka have announced their departure from BioWare – and the games industry in general. The duo co-founded the company in 1995 after graduating from medical school. In an honest blog post aimed at fans, Zeschuk explained that his lust for games had waned: "After nearly twenty years working...
News WipEout 2048 Community Team Tweets: "We Are Alive"
What?
The official WipEout 2048 Twitter account has teased that it is “alive” this afternoon, causing mass confusion amongst PlayStation fans. Regular readers will recall the sad news regarding developer Studio Liverpool’s closure earlier this year, but it seems like something is bubbling behind the scenes. Exactly what, we’re not entirely...
News UK Retailer GameStation to be Rebranded GAME
End of an era
Those of you in North America have our permission to close your ears while we regale tales about the torrid state of UK retail. Chatting at a conference this morning, GAME Retail has revealed that its GameStation brand is to be phased out. The company – which recently went through a major reshuffle – previously operated GAME and...
News Patrick Seybold Exits Sony Computer Entertainment
Greener grass
Patrick Seybold – the employee saddled with the unfortunate task of spinning Sony’s often disappointing NPD sales results into something positive – has left PlayStation after 12 years. The veteran SCEA employee announced the news on Twitter earlier this week, confirming that he has a new role at mobile outfit TapJoy lined up...
News Team ICO Loses More Key Personnel
The last man standing
The employee in charge of production on both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus has left Sony Computer Entertainment. Kenji Kaido shared the news on Twitter, declaring: "This August, I left Sony Computer Entertainment.” He added that he has no immediate plans, aside from a long summer vacation. It’s unclear whether Kaido has...
News Sony Shuts Down WipEout Developer Studio Liverpool
No, no, no
Sony has shut down legendary WipEout developer Studio Liverpool. The unfortunate news was originally revealed on the GRCade forum, but has since been confirmed by a slew of staff on Twitter. The British outfit – which originally started life as Psygnosis – has been in business since 1984. Sandy Lobban, an audio lead at the developer,...
