Layoffs reach Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is undergoing a workforce reduction in order to focus resources on its current title lineup, a representative for the company announced today. In a post on the DC Universe Online forums, community relations director Linda Carlson (SOE_Brasse) explained the move as an attempt to "streamline" employee resources under its current and upcoming slate of online titles. The post reads in full:

"Today we announced a reduction in our workforce at SOE. As a company, our goal is to focus on our core expertise of MMO games and as part of these efforts, we had to make the difficult decision to eliminate positions to help reduce costs, streamline our employee base and strategically align resources towards our current portfolio of games and upcoming slate of MMOs, including EverQuest Next Landmark and EverQuest Next. We deeply value our employees and are grateful for all they've contributed to our company and games. They will be missed by colleagues and friends, and we wish them well in the future. Out of respect for our employees, we request that you do not discuss personnel matters on our forums. Thank you for your understanding."

Elsewhere on the DCUO forums, threads concerning the announcement have been locked, with community moderators referring back to Carlson's post. A separate SOE representative was able to confirm for Gamasutra that the layoffs affect both its San Diego and Austin offices, but declined to comment on the number of employees affected.