Report: Layoffs At Oberon As COO Ryan Starts New Venture

Don Ryan, COO of casual gaming company Oberon Media, has left his role to start a new company, as Oberon confirms layoffs. "Oberon is making strategy and organizational changes to better position the company for growth," Oberon told the Silicon Alley Insider in a statement. "Changes involve some reduction in force, while others include large new investments." The report cites a source claiming to be a former staffer who suggests Oberon let go some 100 employees. The company reportedly disputes that number, but declined to specify how many staffers were let go. Ryan, former GM at Microsoft Games Studios, told the publication it was too soon to discuss details of his new venture. The well-liked executive joined Oberon as VP of publishing in 2006, and assumed the officer role in 2008. Oberon acquired and integrated mobile publisher I-Play in 2007, then received a $20 million investment late last year to grow its business in China. It published a number of casual games on the early Xbox Live Arcade, and currently serves casual games across internet networks.