Layoffs hit GameTrailers just days after it was sold by Viacom

Newsbrief: Multiple employees of video game broadcast outlet GameTrailers are reporting that they've been laid off today in the wake of the company's acquisition by Defy Media. On Monday Viacom announced that it was selling GameTrailers, Addicting Games and Shockwave to Defy Media in return for a minority equity stake in the company. Defy already operates a number of online media properties, including Screen Junkies and The Escapist. Variety reports that roughly 20 people were expected to make the transition from Viacom to Defy, and today it seems that those who weren't part of the deal have received termination notices -- often as they were preparing to decamp from a week of covering E3 in Los Angeles. Polygon cites unnamed sources who claim over half of the full-time GameTrailers employees have lost their jobs this week. Among them was departing GameTrailers producer Jeremy Hoffmann, and we've taken the liberty of republishing his Twitter update below. Gamasutra has reached out to Viacom and Defy Media for more information on the intent and scope of the layoffs, and we'll keep you apprised of any meaningful response.