“The industry has changed immensely.”
Sony is to lay off 900 people, equating to eight percent of its workforce.
Employees across the globe, including our studios, are impacted," Ryan wrote.
“We deeply appreciate support and understanding from the PlayStation community as these decisions are very difficult.
This will see employees across “all SIE regions” impacted.
The company’s US Technology, Creative, and Support teams will also be affected.
Meanwhile, in the UK, PlayStation Studios' London Studio will close in its entirety.
The studio was working on a newonline game for the PlayStation 5, set in afantasy version of London.
“In Japan, we will implement a next career support program.
Details will be communicated separately.
This is something, Ryan admitted, that will not be easy.
“I am aware of the impact it will have on wellbeing,” he wrote.
“Affected employees will receive support, including severance benefits.
“Thank you for your understanding during this difficult period.
c’mon be kind to yourselves and to each other.”
Jim Ryan is set to retire next month.
The exec took charge of the PlayStation division back inFebruary 2019, having previously helmed Sony Computer Interactive Europe.
Sony is the latest in what is sadly a long line of layoffs across the industry this year.
Just yesterday,The Quarry and Until Dawn developer Supermassive Games announced job losses"with deep regret”.
GDC published its 2024 State of the Game Industry report earlier this year.
Here, it said 35 percent of game developers had been impacted by layoffs in the last 12 months.
Additionally, half of those surveyed said they areconcerned more job cuts are on the way.
