Layoffs Hit Australia's Krome Studios

Facing recession-related issues, Australian developer Krome Studios has had to implement an undisclosed number of layoffs across its Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne locations. The studio, best known recently for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, is Australia's largest with over 400 full-time staffers. CEO Robert Walsh says Krome is now "really feeling the effects of the struggling economy," according to comments made to consumer website GameSpot. "In spite of industry-wide cutbacks and Krome’s need to reduce costs, we’ve worked really hard to minimise the impact on our staff," Walsh says. "These cuts, while incredibly difficult as they affect the coworkers we consider friends, are necessary as we position Krome for the future." Walsh also says Krome is "actively pursuing several business opportunities" which would enable it to re-hire some of the affected staff. Krome was founded in Brisbane in 1999. In addition to its work with LucasArts, it's also known for Ty The Tasmanian Tiger, and has also worked on major licenses including Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen and Viva Pinata: Party Animals.