Daybreak Game Company, formerly SOE, suffers layoffs

Daybreak Game Company, developer of PlanetSide 2, H1Z1, EverQuest and more, has been hit with layoffs. Daybreak Game Company was formerly known as Sony Online Entertainment before it was sold off by Sony and acquired by Columbus Nova.

Unfortunately, under their new ownership the developer has had to cut back on staff in order to "realign" resources. We don't know exactly how many staff were affected, but EverQuest's franchise director of development David Georgeson and director of global community relations Lisa Carlson have confirmed that they were part of layoffs.

Daybreak has released a statement on the staff cuts:

To better position our newly independent studio for future growth opportunities and to deliver on our legacy of making top online games, we have had to make some tough choices including realignment of resources.

Unfortunately, this realignment means adjusting staffing as well. We announced today that we will eliminate positions in our San Diego and Austin studios. We deeply value our employees and never take these decisions lightly so we’ve done our best to do what’s right for the people affected. Although extremely difficult, these are necessary actions that will ultimately drive improved results and help strengthen our company’s foundation for success. Many of us are saying goodbye to close friends and colleagues who we’ve worked with over the years, and we are grateful for the memories and all that they’ve contributed. They will be greatly missed, and we wish them nothing but the best for the future.

We wish the best to all those affected by the cuts at Daybreak.

[Daybreak]