Layoffs at Toys for Bob and Sledgehammer Games affect between 30% and 40% of staff, insider says

Summary: In the wake of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Zenimax, it has been reported that Crash Bandicoot developer Toys for Bob and Call of Duty studio Sledgehammer Games have experienced significant layoffs. It is estimated that Toys for Bob has lost around 40% of its staff, while Sledgehammer Games has lost around 30%. These job cuts are part of Microsoft’s decision to lay off 1900 employees across its video game teams. The layoffs have caused distress and uncertainty among employees, with many reaching out to industry insiders to determine if they have been affected.

What’s going on here?

Toys for Bob, the developer behind Crash Bandicoot, and Sledgehammer Games, the studio responsible for Call of Duty, have experienced layoffs following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Zenimax. These job cuts are part of a larger decision by Microsoft to lay off 1900 employees from its video game teams. The layoffs have left many employees uncertain about their future and anxious about whether they will be affected.

What does this mean?

These layoffs have had a significant impact on both Toys for Bob and Sledgehammer Games, with approximately 40% and 30% of their staff, respectively, losing their jobs. The job cuts come after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Zenimax, which has resulted in restructuring across the video game industry. The layoffs highlight the volatility of the industry and the uncertainty faced by developers and employees in the wake of major acquisitions.

Why should I care?

The layoffs at Toys for Bob and Sledgehammer Games are part of a larger trend of job cuts within the video game industry. This year alone has seen multiple companies announce layoffs, including Riot Games, Unity, and Behaviour Interactive. The layoffs reflect the challenges faced by developers and the broader industry as companies undergo restructuring and navigate the impact of acquisitions. The uncertain job market and lack of job security within the industry are issues that affect developers and employees, and these layoffs serve as a reminder of the volatility of the industry.

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