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IGN: ~50 Layoffs at Sony Santa Monica, Project Canceled [Up2: Was Stig's New IP]

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StuBurns

Banned
I'm actually assuming the project they kept is God of War 4 by Cory Barlog, since I got the impression that Stig's project was just in pre-production for ages while most of the studio made God of War: Ascension.
I really hope you're right, seems to make sense.

All the best to any of the guys and gals out of work, hope you fall on your feet.
 
It can't have been Corey's game that was cancelled, can it? I mean, they only just re-employed the guy about 8 months ago, so to then squash his project would seem odd. Unless it was still in prototyping stage and Shu didn't like how it was looking? Stig's game must be in development of some kind for over 3 years, so it's probably too far along to cancel. Which leaves what? I mean, they're moving to a bigger property and just had one of those development videos saying how awesome SSM is, so the timing seems odd. Maybe this is out of context and it was an SSM-produced smaller project (a la Sony Smash Bros. or The Unfinished Swan). I dunno. I feel like we need more on this before jumping to conclusions.
 

teknix

Neo Member
Aren't games more popular now and selling more than ever? If so, why are we hearing news like this and news of big studios closing their doors?

Perhaps a large chunk of that record game sales money is coming from the casual/mobile market. A larger chunk than many hardcore gamers would like to admit.
 
So weird. The studio is expanding and hiring still. Maybe they were letting some less experienced employees go to make room for more new hires?

Hmm if the loss of a project is true I would assume one of the games was taking too long or not compelling enough in Shu's eyes to continue.

Either way it sucks hard
 
I bet the new IP was cancelled and there only making God of War 4 now

I can't see them making another GoW, seeing as how Ascension flopped terribly.Also, unless Stig was one of the members let go I dont believe his project is the one cancelled. My guess is it was a new project that was being worked on by the Ascension team.
 
This is a result of a cycle of resource re-alignment against priority growth areas within SCE WWS
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Sydle

Member
Last studio I expected to see hit with layoffs. Such a talented group.

I feel for them, however I'm optimistic they'll find work quick by having SSM on their resume.
 

B.O.O.M

Member
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


which project? Please tell me it's some minor colab project and not the Stig or Cory projects

Any insiders? Really could use some info right about now
 
Lingo Specialist said:
This is a result of a cycle of resource re-alignment against priority growth areas within blahblahblah

That is some top tier jargon jiujitsu.

Layoffs always suck. Best of luck to those affected. At least they get severance packages.
 

JayEH

Junior Member
Hope those who were affected get back on their feet soon.

I hope they didn't cancel the Space IP. I'm not really into GoW so something fresh from them would be nice.
 

fedexpeon

Banned
So they are growing and building a new building as of Feb 1, but laying people off at the same time?
Got to be one of those trying to be "lean" business tactics...or they are saying eff it after seeing how much it would cost them.
 

Figboy79

Aftershock LA
Today seems to be the day for that stuff: we just lost 5 people today thanks to restructuring. Not a good day...

I hope the SSM people affected by this will land on their feet.
 
This actually would make sense. Maybe the ones left couldn't hold the project together. It would be absolutely massive news if Stig or Barlog's games were cancelled.

That would make sense to me but what project would they have been working on that got cancelled then?
 

Pie and Beans

Look for me on the local news, I'll be the guy arrested for trying to burn down a Nintendo exec's house.
Evolution had better hope Drive Club is a runaway sales success because I'm getting exceedingly confused how they've avoided all the downsizing with once stalwarts like Studio Liverpool disappearing entirely and now the behemoth of SSM getting a hit. Oh and The Last Guardian continuing development of course.

I don't actually understand it at all since SSM are up there with ND, and this was probably a new IP thats been scuppered. Was it one of their joint productions like The Unfinished Swan follow up?
 
Ok, so they post this on the blog last month about moving into a new facility.


http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/01/29/santa-monica-studio-update-new-site-new-hq/

12202341333_744db5ed18_z.jpg


Now 14 years later with 47 games published at this studio here in Santa Monica, it definitely feels like we made the right decision. As we continue our expansion, we’re preparing to say goodbye to this long-time home, and move into a new cutting-edge facility that will meet the needs of our growing team for the next era of Santa Monica Studio.


And to lay people off, she forgot to add.
 
What? He made Sony Santa Monica's best game to date, God of War 2.

Yeah, because one guy made the whole game. And he didn't have an existing template to go off of either.

Anyways, I'd rather this be about Barlog's project than Stig's, just for the fact that it's been hinted at for years, while Barlog only recently joined back with SSM.
 
IMO they should downsize the studios that made Knack, Killzone or Beyond Two Souls

cause at the end of the day God of War Ascension is a better game than those titles
 
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