What you need to know
- Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe has reportedly laid off "dozens" of employees.
- These layoffs took place at the same time as the PlayStation 5 information that was recently released.
- Employees affected believe this is part of a reorganization that centralizes the different branches.
- Xbox's Aaron Greenberg encouraged those affected to apply for positions in Seattle.
According to a report from Video Games Chronicle, Sony has laid off "dozens" of employees at Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE). These layoffs were internally announced at the same time that new PlayStation 5 information was revealed via PlayStation Blog and an interview with Wired.
Video Games Chronicle was told by several affected employees that this move is part of an attempt to unify the different branches of SIE. In the past, different branches had completely different marketing teams. At least one employee affected by the layoffs has been outspoken on Twitter regarding the timing of these layoffs, stating in a now-deleted tweet that "I hate that this is going to be drowned out by the #PS5 announcement."
Related: Xbox's Mike Ybarra is leaving Microsoft after 20 years
This comes at a time when Sony is changing a fair bit, with big additions and a price cut arriving for PlayStation Now. Additionally, Shawn Layden, former Chairman of Sony Worldwide Studios, left Sony per the official PlayStation Twitter account. There has been no further statement from Layden, though he remains active in liking different tweets on Twitter.
We'd like to extend our condolences to any SIEE employees affected by these layoffs, and we hope you find new jobs soon. Aaron Greenberg of Xbox commented on Twitter and noted that Xbox was hiring for several positions in the Seattle area. If you're one of the affected staff members and don't mind relocating, be sure to apply as there are quite a few positions available.
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