Sony Online Entertainment Lays Off 41

Author: by Chris Remo, Staff

Free Realms and EverQuest developer and publisher Sony Online Entertainment has confirmed to Gamasutra that it has laid off 5% of its staff -- 41 positions -- to "reduce costs" across the entire company. SOE, which recently reached 3 million registered users for its microtransaction-based online game Free Realms, noted in comments to Gamasutra that the cuts were "company wide, from a variety of departments." In an official statement sent to Gamasutra and first provided to biz site IndustryGamers, the company explained, "In a move to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated 5% of its full-time workforce, equaling 41 people." The statement continues, "SOE looks forward to continuing its leadership role in the online games industry as it celebrates the highly successful launch of Free Realms, the 10-year commemoration of its ground-breaking EverQuest franchise, and the continued performance of the company’s other games." The firm is continuing work on MMOs including the upcoming PlayStation 3 and PC releases DC Universe Online and The Agency, as well as existing games such as Free Realms and the still-operating EverQuest franchise.