A number of studios have been closed and employees let go at social gaming giants Zynga.
Reportedly, around 150 staff in total were released as offices in the UK, Boston, and Japan were closed. The Texas office was also affected but remains open, although with fewer staff. Sources have claimed that employees were given just two hours to clear their desks and say their goodbyes.
Zynga have not commented on the situation, but the company appears to be in a precarious position, facing lawsuits from all sides, and a stock value that continues to drop, now sitting at just $2.12 per share.
The company hasn’t endeared itself to many in the development community, with frequent allegations of plagiarism directed at the company being handwaved as “iteration”. With a new project apparently cancelled, and work scaled back on other franchises including The Ville, perhaps at least the barrage of lawsuits will slow.
While I’m kind of glad to see Zygna finally taking a fall as they copy so many games it is sad to hear of all these lay offs. Hopefully the laid off employees can find work elsewhere.