Report: Layoffs At Future U.S. As Game & Tech Groups Merge

As many as five employees have been reportedly let go from the U.S. office of Future PLC (Edge, Nintendo Power, et al) as it reorganizes to merge its technology and game groups. According to an unnamed source speaking to Folio, leadership positions from Future's technology group -- which includes publications Maximum PC, Windows: The Official Magazine and others -- have been eliminated as those serving similar roles in the gaming group will assume their responsibilities as part of the merger. The move appears to emphasize Future's gaming group (which Folio's source called "the bigger play"), but Future U.S. president John Marcom made a statement denying any prioritization, saying that "There's much more opportunity in cross-pollination and breaking down silos -- the commonality of platforms, the cross-pollination of content sites." Layoffs confirmed by Folio include consumer marketing director Rich McCarthy and technology group vice president Kate Byrne. According to Future's latest financial results, its technology groups revenues were down in the first half of the year, from $8.3 million to $7 million. The gaming group's revenues were flat at $15.8 million.