Red Storm Entertainment, best known for its tactical shooter series Ghost Recon, has confirmed it has laid off 38 employees from its North Carolina studio.
An Ubisoft spokesperson told consumer weblog Kotaku the reason for the layoffs was a "realignment of production priorities". The spokesperson also said that affected employees will have the opportunity to apply for positions at other Ubisoft studios.
When asked about the relationship between the employees let go and the future of any Red Storm-produced titles, Ubisoft maintained that the remaining team members would continue to work on the multiplayer features of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier, which is currently slated for a Q1 2011 release.
Red Storm was founded by bestselling author Tom Clancy and British Navy Captain Doug Littlejohns in 1996 and focuses primarily on military titles based on Clancy's works.
It has produced console and PC games since 1996, starting with Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. The division is best known for its work with the Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon franchises, although Ubisoft's Tom Clancy-originated franchises are now produced across multiple Ubisoft worldwide studios.
I know it's news just like everything else but I have to say news like this is discouraging as someone trying to get a foot in the door in the industry.
Tell me about Jonathan. I am in the same boat. *sigh* It is an up hill battle that is covered in mud and they are throwing rocks down on us. LOL
Just keep trucking I guess. I really can't see myself doing anything else. Kind of sad, but I am an artist to the core and not much else.
But then we also have to feel sorry for those that are in the business and are getting tossed out on their ears. It is a harsh world. No is safe these days aye?
Doesn't anyone, former Ubisoft employee or not, have "the opportunity to apply for positions at other Ubisoft studios." Sorry to those being let go. All the best in your search.
Just keep trucking I guess. I really can't see myself doing anything else. Kind of sad, but I am an artist to the core and not much else.
But then we also have to feel sorry for those that are in the business and are getting tossed out on their ears. It is a harsh world. No is safe these days aye?
I wonder, with all the talent floating around, what wonderful games could these developers make together.
Wish all my fellow devs who find themselves displaced by this a speedy return to doing what they love.