Layoffs Hit Daybreak Game Studios (Updated)
Apparently, there will be changes with Daybreak Game Studio, and they're here now.
Longtime SOE/Daybreak employees Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson and Linda "Brasse" Carlson were let go from the company today. Georgeson was the Director of Development for the EverQuest franchise, which included EverQuest, EverQuest II, Landmark, and EverQuest Next, while Carlson was the company's Head of Community Relations.
Georgeson announced his departure via Twitter:
Yeah, I'm sorry folks but it's true. LM, eqn, eq and eqii are no longer guided by moi. Other dreamers will steer now.
— David Georgeson (@DaveGeorgeson) February 11, 2015
While Carlson took to her Facebook account to announce the news:
Good morning, my friends. Almost exactly six years ago today, I had just lost my job, I posted then, "So, if anyone needs a proper Dwarf..." and my adventure with SOE began.
Today I post again... so, if anyone needs a proper Dwarf...
I have been released from the best and most challenging job I have ever had. I thank you all for being part of that incredible experience. Too many people to thank personally, but know that I am extraordinarily grateful and very curious where life takes me now.
We wish all those affected luck in their next stops. PlanetSide 2 creative director Matt Higby said via Twitter that there was a "big round of layoffs this morning" (though he didn't comment on his own status), so we'll update this post if we hear of any more departures from DBC.
Update: Zam is reporting that EQ2 artist Aaron "Gnobrin" Bisnett, who was with the company for 12 years, has also been let go (which he confirmed via Facebook), as has EQ2 developer Akil "Lyndro" Hooper.
Update again: Graphic Designer Noah Watkins has also been let go. So far, it seems like most of the cuts were from the various EverQuest teams, as several PlanetSide 2 and H1Z1-related employees have confirmed that they've been retained.
Update 2/12: Reddit user Thjoth has complied a list of all the known/confirmed individuals impacted by Daybreak Game layoffs so far.
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About the Author
Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
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