Skydance Games Hit By Layoffs

Skydance Games has lost a number of staffers over the last few days, making it the latest division to be slimmed down and restructured after the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to position Skydance Games for long-term growth and success, we are implementing reorganization and operational shifts across a few areas of our business. We have stepped back and taken some time to consider where we are investing our efforts and have made the difficult decision to scale down some of our projects,” said a Skydance spokesperson.

“As a result, there are roles impacted. This is not a reflection of the talent, dedication, or creativity of those affected and we are grateful for their contributions. We are committed to approaching the process with transparency, care and respect for those who are leaving the company.”

It wasn’t immediately clear how many role were impacted or which projects are being scaled back.

Paramount Games Studio was created last summer by the merger of Skydance and Paramount gaming businesses and that in turn became Skydance Games after the merger with WBD closed Oct. 6.

The combined group is headed by president of Skydance games and experiences, Tony Driscoll, who previously worked with Fortnite. Late last month, Skydance launched a voluntary buyout program across the company as it shifted to a five-day-a-week in office policy. Co-CEOs David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz have promised Wall Street at least $6 billion in cost synergies from the merger, which will include layoffs.

The duo earlier today presented their first quarterly earnings since the deal closed.

There’s been considerable consolidation in the games sector in recent years. Last month, Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to 25% of its workforce, including at the Xbox division.

“Most of my game team at Skydance Interactive got laid off today. I’m not impacted by the layoff but I’m definitely processing my emotions today. They are good peeps to work with and I would work with them again in a heartbeat. Please consider them for any open roles you have at your game dev company,” Rebecca Vessal, Senior Gameplay and Game AI Programmer at Skydance Games, wrote on LinkedIn.

“Skydance just lost a ton of great talent yesterday, said engineer David Vera, on the platform, recommending several dozen art, design and engineering colleagues.