Tag: Layoffs

  • Supermassive Games Postpones Directive 8020 to 2026 Amid Layoffs

    Supermassive Games Postpones Directive 8020 to 2026 Amid Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Supermassive Games is laying off 36 employees as part of a restructuring due to challenges in the gaming industry.
    2. The release of their new game, Directive 8020, has been delayed from October 2, 2025, to the first half of 2026.
    3. Directive 8020 is the fifth installment in the Dark Pictures Anthology series, featuring a sci-fi horror story with multiple paths and time-rewinding mechanics.
    4. Other upcoming game, Little Nightmares III, will not be affected by the layoffs and is still set to release on October 10, 2025.
    5. The gaming industry has faced significant layoffs, with over 10,000 job losses in 2024, driven by rising development costs and shifts in market demand.

    Supermassive Games, a studio from the UK well-known for its horror narratives like The Quarry and Until Dawn, has revealed that it will be laying off 36 employees as part of a restructuring effort due to ongoing challenges in the gaming industry.

    Project Delays

    The studio had been developing a new game called Directive 8020, which was expected to launch on October 2, 2025. However, this release has now been pushed back to the first half of 2026. The announcement was shared on Supermassive Games’ official X account on July 22, 2025, where they expressed their sadness about the layoffs.

    The studio emphasized that these layoffs were a difficult choice and they are trying to help the affected employees during this tough time. They also mentioned that they appreciate the positive feedback regarding Directive 8020 and believe that this delay will lead to a better experience for the fans who are willing to wait.

    Game Features

    Directive 8020 was first unveiled at Gamescom 2024 and is the fifth installment in the Dark Pictures Anthology series by Supermassive Games. In this new title, the studio aims to tell a sci-fi horror story with multiple paths featuring five playable characters. Players will have the ability to use “Turning Points” to rewind time at crucial moments that can change the direction of the game.

    Additionally, Supermassive Games confirmed that their other anticipated game, Little Nightmares III, which is due to come out on October 10, 2025, will not be affected by these layoffs.

    Industry Trends

    This isn’t the first instance of job cuts at the studio. Back in February 2024, they had already reduced their workforce to only a third of its previous size.

    The gaming sector has seen a wave of layoffs in recent times, with over 10,000 jobs lost in just 2024 alone. Factors like increasing development costs and significant shifts in market demand have contributed to this trend, and the recent layoffs at Supermassive Games reflect these broader changes in the industry.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Intel to Cut 2,392 Jobs in Oregon by Mid-July for Cost Savings

    Intel to Cut 2,392 Jobs in Oregon by Mid-July for Cost Savings

    Key Takeaways

    – Intel plans to cut 2,392 jobs in Oregon, significantly higher than the previously announced 500 layoffs, as part of a cost-reduction strategy under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
    – The job losses will negatively affect Oregon’s economy, where Intel is the largest employer, potentially impacting local businesses and income-tax revenue.
    – Intel is struggling to compete in the semiconductor market, trailing behind TSMC and missing opportunities in key areas like AI training chips.
    – The layoffs will impact all levels within the company, particularly in Intel Foundry, with significant cuts to technicians and process engineers, and the disbanding of the automotive division.
    – Laid-off employees will receive severance pay and healthcare benefits, but Intel’s future operations in Oregon remain uncertain despite ongoing tax incentives.

    Intel has informed Oregon officials that it plans to cut 2,392 jobs in the state by mid-July, a significant increase from the earlier figure of just over 500 layoffs. This decision is part of a larger effort to reduce costs under the new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, who is reacting to decreased sales and ongoing manufacturing problems.

    Economic Impact on Oregon

    Oregon is home to Intel’s largest facility globally, employing around 20,000 people. The semiconductor industry in the state typically pays an average salary of nearly $180,000 per year. Consequently, such job losses are likely to have a negative effect on local businesses and decrease income-tax revenue. State economist Carl Riccadonna has already cautioned lawmakers about a weakening job market.

    Competitive Struggles

    Intel’s current difficulties can be traced back almost a decade, when delays in its technology allowed TSMC to take the lead. Competitors like AMD, Nvidia, and Apple now depend on TSMC’s advanced technology, while Intel fights to reclaim its position and is mostly missing out on thriving markets like AI training chips. “In terms of training, I fear it may be too late for us,” Tan mentioned to employees, noting that Nvidia’s hold is “too strong.”

    Specific Job Reductions

    The workforce cuts affect every level within the company, but they are particularly severe in Intel Foundry, which focuses on manufacturing and research and development. About one in five positions in this area will be eliminated. Many of the layoffs will impact technicians and process engineers, though around eight percent of those let go hold management roles. In addition to manufacturing cuts, Intel has disbanded its automotive division and shifted most marketing responsibilities to Accenture.

    Laid-off employees will receive 13 weeks of their base salary plus an additional 1.5 weeks for each year they have worked, along with a year’s worth of healthcare benefits. Even though Intel still benefits from over $300 million in annual tax incentives from Oregon, its reduced revenues and changing priorities make the future scale of its operations in the Pacific Northwest uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Intel to Cut Over 20,000 Jobs to Reduce Bureaucracy

    Intel to Cut Over 20,000 Jobs to Reduce Bureaucracy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel plans to lay off over 20% of its workforce, about 20,000 employees, to simplify management and reduce red tape.
    2. The new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, aims to restore an engineering-focused culture and rejuvenate the company’s engineering talent.
    3. The layoffs are expected to be announced alongside Intel’s first-quarter financial results on April 24.
    4. Intel’s current employee count stands at approximately 108,900 after previous layoffs in August 2024.
    5. The company faces challenges in maintaining market share against competitors like Nvidia and AMD, and its return to previous sales levels may take years.

    Intel appears to be gearing up for a significant overhaul that might not bode well for its workforce. A recent report indicates that the company plans to let go of over 20% of its employees in an effort to simplify management and cut down on red tape. Changes have been underway at Intel ever since new CEO Lip-Bu Tan took the helm last month. The announcement regarding the layoffs is anticipated this week.

    Rebuilding Engineering Culture

    According to a Bloomberg report, which references a source privy to the situation, this bold strategy aims to restore an engineering-focused environment at Intel. This aligns with Tan’s view that the company must rejuvenate its engineering talent that has diminished over time. Tan believes Intel should modify its manufacturing techniques to better meet customer demands. This approach seemingly involves laying off more than 20% of the workforce, which translates to around 20,000 employees worldwide.

    Current Employee Count

    By the close of 2024, Intel was reported to have 108,900 employees, following a previous wave of layoffs in August 2024. The new round of job cuts is expected to be disclosed on Thursday, April 24, coinciding with the release of first-quarter financial results.

    Market Challenges

    Intel has been facing difficulties in maintaining its market share against rivals such as Nvidia and AMD. Tan was appointed to tackle these challenges, and according to the report, his strategy includes creating more attractive products by divesting non-essential assets. Additionally, analysts have suggested that Intel may struggle to return to its former sales heights. If it manages to do so, it might take many years to achieve that goal.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple dismisses 600 employees post high-profile project closures

    Apple dismisses 600 employees post high-profile project closures

    Apple Inc has confirmed it has laid off over 600 employees as part of a plan to wind down two major initiatives – self-driving car initiative Project Titan and in-house development of Micro-LED displays.

    By way of layoffs, nearly 600 employees working on Project Titan (Apple Car) and MicroLED development teams were affected. Apple had long made MicroLED displays an area of focus since acquiring LuxVue Technology in 2014; however, issues in production led to Apple scrapping its MicroLED displays for use on Apple Watch earlier this year and ultimately led to these job cuts.

    Impact Analysis on Project Titan And MicroLED Development

    Project Titan, Apple’s ambitious self-driving car program, also experienced considerable cuts. Even though approximately 2,000 employees worked on it at its height, last month Apple shelved it amid uncertainty among executives as to its direction and rising expenses. Some employees involved have since been assigned other Apple teams specialized in artificial intelligence (AI) development while some were even requested to leave altogether.

    Further Job Losses in Siri Development

    As evidenced by filings in San Diego, job cuts extended to Siri development as indicated by reports that Apple closed down an office dedicated to Siri data operations; employees affected by these closures had the opportunity to relocate to Austin, Texas as an indicator of Apple’s changed operational priorities.

    Apple is taking significant steps towards restructuring since the peak of pandemic pandemic in 1998, including layoffs as part of an initiative geared at prioritizing AI development to stay competitive within an evolving tech market.

    Apple has refused to release an exact figure regarding their layoffs; however, speculation suggests a majority were associated with Project Titan and MicroLED development efforts that have since come to a close. Furthermore, former employees from these initiatives have apparently been redeployed into supporting Apple’s AI initiatives instead.

    Apple is continually innovating.

    Apple’s recent actions come amid ongoing legal battles, such as one from the Department of Justice alleging anticompetitive conduct in its smartphone market. Yet despite these obstacles, it continues to explore innovation through ventures such as home robotics products that may further diversify its product lineup.

    As the tech sector evolves, Apple’s recent strategic realignment demonstrates their goal to lead technological innovation while adapting to ever-evolving market dynamics.

    Tags: ,
  • New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    Mozilla, the well-known name behind the Firefox browser, is undergoing some changes. The company has decided to say goodbye to 60 members of its team, which accounts for approximately 5% of its staff. This transition primarily impacts those who work on product development. However, this move is part of Mozilla’s strategy to allocate more resources and energy towards specific projects, such as optimizing Firefox for mobile devices and exploring the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Adjusting to the Tech Landscape

    Mozilla’s decision to let go of some of its team members is just one example of the many tech layoffs that have been witnessed in the global job market. In an industry where companies often need to adapt in order to progress, Mozilla’s choice to invest further in certain areas reflects their larger plan. They aim to focus on the initiatives they believe will contribute to their growth and make a significant impact in the tech sector.

    Embracing the Potential of AI

    Artificial intelligence has been gaining significant attention lately, and Mozilla doesn’t want to be left behind. They recognize the immense potential of integrating AI into Firefox, particularly after acquiring a company called Fakespot. This acquisition demonstrates Mozilla’s commitment to improving the internet experience by making it easier to identify and avoid fake content.

    Streamlining Projects

    Alongside these changes, Mozilla is also streamlining its range of projects. While some projects, like their VPN and privacy tool, are receiving less attention, others are being completely discontinued. This enables Mozilla to concentrate more on Firefox Mobile and AI, two areas that they are particularly enthusiastic about.

    New Leadership and Future Outlook

    Furthermore, Mozilla is ushering in a new CEO, Laura Chambers, who has previously worked at prominent companies such as Airbnb, PayPal, and eBay. With Chambers at the helm, Mozilla aims to develop products that not only perform well in the market but also align with their mission of creating a better internet for all.

    Tags: , ,
  • Snap Inc. Announces 500 Employee Layoffs

    Snap Inc. Announces 500 Employee Layoffs

    Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, is letting go of 10% of its workforce, about 500 people. This move is part of a plan to make the company work better together and more efficiently. Snap’s decision reflects a bigger trend in the tech world, where many companies are trimming down to stay agile and competitive. Some other recent layoffs include Discord’s layoff of 17% of its employees and Microsoft’s layoff of almost 1900 employees.

    Tech Sector Job Cuts

    The tech sector has seen nearly 24,000 job cuts in the month of January alone. The layoffs are meant to help Snap reduce layers within the company and improve face-to-face work among teams. This is a strategic step to keep the company strong and focused, especially during a time when the tech industry is facing a lot of changes. Other tech firms, including big names like Okta and Zoom, have also been cutting jobs recently. In fact, the tech sector saw nearly 24,000 job cuts in January alone.

    Ongoing Restructuring

    Snap has been through this before, with several rounds of job cuts starting in 2022. This is part of an ongoing effort to align the company’s structure with its goals for growth and innovation. These latest layoffs are expected to cost between $55 million to $75 million.

    Challenges and Efforts

    The company is also under the spotlight for the impact of social media on young people, with CEO Evan Spiegel recently speaking to the Senate Judiciary Committee about this issue. Despite these challenges, Snap has managed to increase its revenue from digital ads recently and has started buying back $500 million in shares.

    Even with these efforts, Snap’s stock price is still below its initial public offering price and far from its peak in 2021. This shows the company is working through some tough times, trying to find the best path forward in a fast-changing tech landscape.

    Tags: , ,
  • Microsoft Cuts 1,900 Jobs in Gaming Division

    Microsoft Cuts 1,900 Jobs in Gaming Division

    Microsoft’s Gaming Workforce Reduction by Microsoft

    In a recent development, Microsoft has chosen to downsize its gaming personnel, affecting 1,900 workers. This decision is part of a series of layoffs and corporate reorganizations within the gaming sector. Despite the challenges presented, Microsoft is ensuring that impacted employees receive severance packages and comprehensive assistance, illustrating its dedication to its workforce during these trying times.

    Microsoft’s Reaction to the Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

    Following the monumental $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft implemented these staff reductions. This acquisition bolstered Microsoft’s game collection with popular titles such as Call of Duty. Being one of the most significant transactions in the gaming realm, it compelled Microsoft to reassess its strategic alignment and cost framework to suit the expanded business scope. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, clarified that the integration of teams from Activision, Blizzard, and King into Microsoft prompted a reevaluation of priorities, leading to the elimination of overlapping departments. While downsizing is a challenging decision, it signifies a strategic pivot towards sustainable advancement.

    Microsoft’s Gaming Division’s Bright Prospects

    Despite the setback caused by the workforce reductions, Microsoft’s gaming division continues to show promise. Recently, the company unveiled an enticing array of new game titles, reconfirming its dedication to offering top-tier gaming experiences. Noteworthy games like MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and Obsidian’s Avowed hint at a rich content pipeline and a shining future for the Xbox platform.

    Gaming Industry’s Disturbing Pattern

    Microsoft’s layoffs form part of a broader trend of job dismissals across the gaming sector. Last year alone, thousands of individuals were impacted by layoffs, a trend that has persisted into 2024. This trend mirrors a larger transformation within the industry as companies recalibrate their strategies in response to a swiftly evolving market.

    In conclusion, Microsoft’s choice to downsize its gaming workforce represents a challenging yet indispensable measure in realigning its resources and priorities post the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting its employees and providing outstanding gaming experiences to its dedicated customer base.

    Tags: ,