Earlier today, reports began circulating about potential layoffs taking place at ArenaNet, the studio behind the Guild Wars series. The developer has since confirmed the initial reports, announcing that they will in fact be cutting an unspecified amount of jobs as well as cancelling a host of unannounced projects. The layoffs have been confirmed to be part of larger restructuring plans within ArenaNet’s parent company, NCSOFT.
An ArenaNet spokesperson provided an official statement for the studio:
“We can confirm that due to the cancellation of unannounced projects, ArenaNet will make staff reductions. This is part of a larger organizational restructuring within NCSoft in the west, but the Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 game services will not be affected, nor is any upcoming game content canceled.” They also made sure to let fans know that the transition from Living World Season 4 to 5 would be unaffected.
Earlier this week, Activision Blizzard announced a huge cut to staff, and following the news surrounding ArenaNet, EA announced that their Melbourne studio would be hit with massive layoffs as well. Last year, Telltale Games, the studio behind the critically acclaimed The Walking Dead adaptations also underwent company-wide layoffs, leading to the studio’s shutdown.
Read More: https://www.cgmagonline.com/2019/02/21/developer-arenanet-confirms-mass-staff-layoffs/