Sony Cuts Jobs at Visual Arts and Malaysia to Boost Studio Strength
Sony is reportedly implementing workforce reductions across its Visual Arts and PlayStation Studios Malaysia support studios.
Numerous current and past PlayStation employees shared insights on LinkedIn, indicating that significant layoffs have occurred on a global scale.
“I rarely post, in fact, I believe this is my inaugural post. So with a heavy heart, I must announce that I was part of the PlayStation Visual Arts layoffs today,” wrote senior texture artist Lewis Labram.
“My 16-year journey at Visual Arts has concluded as I was impacted by this week’s layoffs. It has been a remarkable experience and a privilege to collaborate with some truly incredible individuals on extraordinary projects throughout the years,” added animation supervisor Chris Clyde.
A number of diverse Visual Arts staff expressed that their time at the studio has come to a close, resulting in a wave of support from friends and colleagues.
Sony also seems to have downsized various PlayStation teams.
A senior project manager at PlayStation Studios Malaysia stated that a “wave of job cuts” has swept through the studio and its international affiliates—leading to their exit just before their two-year work anniversary.
“As mentioned in the earlier post, there was a wave of staff reductions and regrettably I’m no longer part of the PlayStation brand, alongside several other Production colleagues in this happier lunch photo,” they added on LinkedIn.
“The saddest, most devastating moment for me was seeing high performers and key contributors who had been actively engaged on projects being laid off. I wish everyone affected the very best, and I hope we all emerge stronger from this challenging experience.
These remarks seem to support a report from Kotaku, which has spoken to an anonymous source who claimed that Sony is executing widespread layoffs across its network of internal studios.
Kotaku asserts that some of those laid off were working on now-canceled projects, yet others were also affected.
The latest reports have emerged several months after Sony abandoned the live-service misstep Harmony and closed internal studios Firewalk and Neon Koi. Prior to that, it laid off around 900 employees across major studios such as Insomniac, Guerrilla, and Naughty Dog.
The PlayStation manufacturer has also reportedly canceled a live-service project in development at Bend Studio set for release in early 2025.
Sony is currently striving to “maximize synergies” under new leadership. Earlier this year, the company appointed Hideaki Nishino as president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment to “achieve new heights.”
Looking ahead, Nishino stated that the company needs to focus on its two greatest assets: technology and creativity. “We’ll continue to expand the PlayStation community in new ways, including IP development, while also excelling in technological innovation,” he added.
Game Developer has reached out to Sony for comment.
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Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. His byline has appeared in major print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, Global Trade Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered significant industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards multiple times and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.