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Layoffs affect 900 employees at PlayStation

Sony is initiating a global workforce reduction of 8%, impacting around 900 PlayStation employees. This move includes the complete shutdown of PlayStation's London Studio.

Layoffs impact 900 employees at PlayStation
Layoffs impact 900 employees at PlayStation

Layoffs affect 900 employees at PlayStation

In a sad and difficult announcement, Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has revealed plans for significant layoffs within the company. Approximately 900 employees will be affected, including those at several PlayStation studios, with the London Studio being closed as part of the restructuring.

The London Studio, a key player in the PlayStation family, has been responsible for creating several popular games and series. Their portfolio includes the music sensation SingStar, the football simulation game This Is Football, and various Virtual Reality (VR) games such as VR Worlds and the shooter Blood & Truth. These games were exclusive to Sony's headset, further cementing the London Studio's impact on the PlayStation brand.

The decision to lay off staff and close the London Studio comes after Jim Ryan announced his intention to step down in March 2024, following nearly 30 years with the company. His departure will mark a significant change for Sony Interactive Entertainment, and a new CEO will be appointed to lead the company. Hiroki Totoki, who assumed the role of President and CEO in April 2025, will take over from Ryan.

The layoffs at Sony Interactive Entertainment come a month after Microsoft announced plans to lay off 1,900 people in its gaming division, including those at recently-acquired Activision-Blizzard.

Despite these challenges, Sony's PlayStation 5 console has achieved significant success, selling more than 50 million units worldwide. This figure surpasses the combined sales of Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S by more than double, demonstrating the strong appeal of Sony's gaming offerings.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Sony Interactive Entertainment will undoubtedly face further changes. However, the company remains committed to delivering innovative and engaging experiences for its users.

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