Firaxis, the Maryland-based developer of well-regarded strategy game franchise Civilization, laid off 20 workers as parent Take-Two "realigns" resources, the publisher confirmed to Variety's Technotainment blog on Thursday.
Firaxis, founded in 1996 by former Microprose employees Sid Meier, Jeff Briggs, and Brian Reynolds, is at work on Sid Meier's Civilization V, due in September this year. Take-Two said the layoffs will not affect development of that title or of the Facebook-based Civilization Network. Take-Two publishes the retail Civilization games under subsidiary label 2K Games.
The studio's website says that it employs 130 workers, meaning the 20 layoffs equal about 15 percent of staff.
Take-Two said in a statement, "Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio."
Firaxis' past games include Civilization Revolution for consoles and handhelds, Sid Meier's Railroads!, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and other titles. Take-Two acquired Firaxis in 2005, with industry stalwart Sid Meier leading the studio as director of creative development.
"Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio."
I think that might be roughly translated as:
"Firaxis has been told to cut costs as hard and fast as possible as the parent company's forecast results are dipping and the management need to be seen to be taking concrete action to protect the shareholders' interests."
One of the major risks of being owned by a large corporate - as an independent, Firaxis would probably keep the staff for work on the next project. Of course, I could be wrong - Firaxis could just have been dramatically over-spending!
But whichever it is, it is still unpleasant for those on the recieving end.
I hope the guys affected can get back on their feet doing something awesome. Maybe band together and make some Indie games... I'd be interested in seeing what ex-Civ guys would do, after all of their tutelage under Sid.
Sean: Yeah, that is the upside to the dark cycle of 'boom-and-purge' game development (not saying that this is the case here, but it does have that feel).
Here's hoping for another Civ-like IP from a new indie studio (which will become part of a big studio, then downsize after creating some great sequels, which will create a new indie studio...)
The games industry really has a dark underbelly.
"Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio."
I think that might be roughly translated as:
"Firaxis has been told to cut costs as hard and fast as possible as the parent company's forecast results are dipping and the management need to be seen to be taking concrete action to protect the shareholders' interests."
One of the major risks of being owned by a large corporate - as an independent, Firaxis would probably keep the staff for work on the next project. Of course, I could be wrong - Firaxis could just have been dramatically over-spending!
But whichever it is, it is still unpleasant for those on the recieving end.
I need my fix Firaxis... I'm hurtin' bad for your strong stuff... need another shot
Then so will the LAN parties.
I hope the guys affected can get back on their feet doing something awesome. Maybe band together and make some Indie games... I'd be interested in seeing what ex-Civ guys would do, after all of their tutelage under Sid.
Here's hoping for another Civ-like IP from a new indie studio (which will become part of a big studio, then downsize after creating some great sequels, which will create a new indie studio...)