At 343 Industries, there must be quite a strong feeling at the news of the layoffs the studio has suffered so far. While there have also been cuts at Bethesda, it seems the biggest stick is being taken by those responsible for Halo. We have recently seen the leadership restructuring that the study has had, and now a good portion of the staff are absent. Although there are no official numbers, the last time I looked there was talk of at least 130 people.
I can understand the reasons for the layoffs, in the end it’s a business and you have to optimize. But that doesn’t mean I applaud them. Ultimately, a dismissal means that a person loses their job and it’s a big bitch. So from here, I stand in solidarity with anyone at 343 Industries or affected by this round of mass layoffs, whether it’s Microsoft, Google, Twitter, or any other industry.
343 Industries takes a hit
As I said above, there is no official information yet from Microsoft on the number of people affected by each division. The party most affected is said to be the one in charge of upcoming campaigns, which suggests the worst. However, for now, this part is just speculation.
About this we read for the first time Joe Staten, who entered to “save” what we saw after the presentation of Halo Infinite, was another one jumping ship and heading to Xbox Publishing. However, good old Staten has been active in Twitter ensuring that it is 100% focused on helping those affected to find work in other studies. It looks like the engagement is strong enough that Staten has even opened up his private messages.
Hello friends, right now I am 100% focused on helping people who have lost their jobs to find a new one. The outpouring of support from other studios has been incredible. Please keep coming. If you would like a referral for someone you are considering, my direct messages are open.
Staten was also joined Michael Schorrwho is currently Forge Lead Designer on Halo:
Thank you all for reaching out and expressing your concern and sympathy for the layoffs at 343 (and elsewhere), I appreciate it. I’m always on 343. If you want to connect with people to help them find roles, that’s what I’m here for and happy to be a catalyst for that.
We’ll see how this all plays out in the months to come. There is certainly little cause for celebration at this time. I hope the game doesn’t pay the piper and continues to support it.
