The lights are on
Reports surfaced this morning saying developer Obsidian suffered layoffs upwards of 30 people this week. In addition to staff reductions, the studio also canceled an unannounced next-gen title.
Joystiq and Game Banshee both reported layoffs between 20-30 employees. The only two projects to be affected by this is the recently revealed South Park RPG and a next-generation game called Project North Carolina, which has now reportedly been canceled.
Game Banshee says a tipster also noted that "the owners weren't paid for 6-7 months" and that "401k matching was halted" for employees.
When reached for comment, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart told Game Informer, "We are always happy to talk about our announced projects, gaming and the industry as a whole. However, it is our policy to not comment on stories regarding our staff."
South Park was due later this year from THQ. No word yet if the game has suffered a delay due to the reported layoffs.
[Sources: Game Banshee, Joystiq]
Damn, that sucks.
Feel bad for the affected employees, my prayers are out to them and their families. As for the studio, I hope they pull South Park through but I am curious to know what that Project North Carolina was.
Lets hope those 30 people weren't all play testers.
NOOOOO!!! That south park game must continue!!!
That really sucks. Easily one of my favorite developers.
well this blows.
best of luck in the future to the effected employees
If you look at the Joystiq article, an employee who was hired yesterday was laid off as well as another that was hired last week. This is revolting and the management should be laid off as well.
Hope those fine gents get new jobs soon.
damn thats a shame I was surprised they where still alive after alpha protocal and then I loved New Vegas quite a bit, be shame if they go under.
pleeaaaaaseeeee don't let it affect the South Park RPG D: