After an early report from IGN who claimed they had reason to believe 30 staff had been cut from our beloved video game publisher SEGA, a new report from EDGE with word from a SEGA of America representative has arisen to confirm jobs have been cut.
In an e-mail response to EDGE, the un-named SEGA rep stated –
Sega of America has grown at pace with the booming videogame industry, but at this time of economic recession, harsh retail landscape, and the reality of business challenges to profitability, we must take steps to reduce our cost structure and ensure long-term success.”
Guess even Sonic’s latest title can’t save them from the current financial crisis (sorry Sonic, we know you try).
The rep informed EDGE “around 30 people” have been laid off work and went on to say –
“The decision to lay off staff was a difficult one, and we thank these employees for their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavors.”
With todays financial crisis and more and businesses facing pressure and/or closure every day, it is becoming tougher for people to find employment. We at TSS wish those staff members well for the future and hope they do manage find more work and happiness through this difficult time whatever happens.
Source: EDGE
Well if Amy Palant was one of them, then I don’t mind…as much.
But seriously? They already suffer from localization flops, and they think that cutting Employees is going to serve them good(Well, it will, but if it’s certian ones, then even better)?
I wonder if SEGA ever looked at the sales figures of Puyo Pop Fever…
More and more companies are failing and dropping staff not only in the gaming industries but in almost all major selling businesses. It’s a very sad thing to see what would of previously been stated well established franchises dropping people and going under.
I wish too all those fired employees all the best.
I feel SEGA is beginning to learn how to make good Sonic games. It still takes a while, but it will take more for the people who don’t stop to focus on the good parts of Chronicles, Unleashed and Black Knight.
Thats too bad but they must’ve really enjoyed their time there 🙂
Imagine all the good stuff they’ve received or been able to have a look at over the years..
Here’s a thought. Do you think any of the voice actors were involved in this?
That’s an awful thought, really- if you ask me, the move from the Adventure voice actors to the X voice actors was a step down, with the notable exception of Robotnik, who sounded good in both cases. I see a trend every time they change a voice actor in a Sonic game, and it isn’t a good one, in my personal tastes. Bring back Drummond!
The voice actors were probably not involved. They’re in house voice actors for 4kids, so I doubt this would effect them at all.
That sucks 0.o sheesh… the economy is getting worse everyday and no one has yet to fix it…
Our new president, Obama, better know what he is doing…
Anyways, I hope those 30 people find a new job soon… it’s sad to hear that people are still losing their jobs… Although this is no surprise actually… you can’t expect the video game industry to be strong during these tough times. I mean…who would want to buy new consoles and new games at a time like this? For sure mother’s and father’s who lost their jobs won’t. Teens can’t… so yeah…
Oh my gosh I feel so sorry for them I wonder how much money SEGA pays
Sucks for them..