Reports: Trion Worlds Sold To Gamigo, Endures Massive Layoffs
Multiple sources are reporting that Trion Worlds has been acquired by free-to-play game publisher Gamigo, and that the developer of Rift, Trove, and Defiance has laid off a number of staff members as part of the transition.
An official statement was posted earlier today on the Rift forums by Community Manager Linda "Brasse" Carlson, who appears not to have been affected by the layoffs. She stated that "there has been a transaction involving Trion Worlds and its games," without mentioning Gamigo specifically, and that some staff members "will not be making the journey." Unsurprisingly, she stated that "games will continue on in capable hands moving forward" while thanking players for their continued support.
A source has confirmed to Gamasutra that the layoffs affected "the vast majority" of employees at Trion's Redwood City, Calif. and Austin, Texas studios, and that Trion employed about 200 people prior to today. The Gamasutra source said that "only 25 or so employees were given the opportunity to continue on with the studio."
As for what this means for Trion and its games, you can't help but be pessimistic. While Trion does have its own launcher, all its games are also available on Steam, and Steam Charts' numbers for its non-Trove games are not that great. (Steam Charts only allows four games to be compared, and Atlas Reactor would rate below the other four.) I could see Trove and Rift continuing, along with ArcheAge while it continues to bring in money -- which it probably still does -- but I wouldn't be surprised to see the underperforming Defiance 2050 or Atlas Reactor get the ax in the not-too-distant future.
Related Articles
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.
Read Next
Gwent Launches Tomorrow, And CD Projekt Red Has A Video To Teach You The Basics
Gwent is almost ready for its official launch, and to further stoke the anticipatory fires, CD Projekt Red has a new video that explains the basics of the game to would-be Witchers.
By Jason Winter - 4 years agoYou May Enjoy
FFXIV’s Director & Producer Naoki Yoshida Says He’s “Really Looking Forward” To The MMORPG Blue Protocol
Several experienced people from the FFXIV Team are also now working on Blue Protocol.
By Aspen Pash - 5 days agoWorld Of Warships Legends Celebrates The Year Of The Rabbit With Dragons
It’s an interesting choice, but we’re sure players are down for it.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 5 days agoDestiny 2 Looks To Change The PvE Meta With Season 20 Weapons Update
Bungie unleashes the nerf bat on the current Destiny 2 meta.
By Troy Blackburn - 2 days agoBlizzard’s Bringing The Original Overwatch’s Credits Currency Back To Overwatch 2 In Season 3
Players will be able to purchase epic and legendary-tier skins with them.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days agoDauntless Developer Phoenix Labs Is Independent Once Again
The company is now self-owned and going private.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 day ago💣 Feature | No, “MMORPG” and “MMO” Games Are Not Dying
But those terms are probably dead...
By Luis Dobreira - 1 week ago
Wonder what Gamigo will do with the games