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Layoffs Begin At Daybreak Games
jjohn24680 writes There are several sources who are reporting layoffs at Daybreak Games (formerly Sony Online Entertainment) today. Notable layoffs include Linda "Brasse" Carlson (former Global Community Relations Lead) and Dave Georgeson (former Director of Development / Franchise Director for Everquest, EverQuest II, and EverQuest Next / Landmark). This post from Daybreak Games has some additional information as well.
I work for a software company owned by a private venture firm, much like Daybreak, so I'd like to pile on, since I've seen exactly what you're talking about. I'm also in the finance department, so I'd like to defend profitability.
As with most things, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If this were a company with a long-term vision, and could continue to be successful, the money would be coming in through sales. The decision to sell usually happens when the current owner no longer believes in the direction of the company, and sells to the first sucker who they can dupe into taking it off their hands. So, with basically no knowledge of this particular deal, the future for SOE probably wasn't too bright in the first place. Bad times may have been coming either way.
With that said, venture firms can be pretty brutal. They tend to speak their own language, and value things that only make sense to their own little circle of peers. What they aren't, though, is stupid. This was a massive deal, and letting it rot away is just not going to be on the agenda for Columbus Nova. Rough times are indeed ahead, for at least the next 3-5 years, but if they can come out healthier on the other side, it will be a net gain for the company and its employees.
Current employees will want to update their CVs, but this may well keep this company in business long enough to employ more in the long-run.