Over the weekend, rumors poured in that Square Enix's office in Los Angeles suffered numerous layoffs and that such layoffs would greatly impact Square Enix's upcoming online games, including Wakfu and the relaunch of Final Fantasy XIV. Massively was able to confirm that only one of these rumors was true, and sadly, it is that several people lost their jobs at the end of last week.
Riley Brennan, Square Enix's Senior Director of Public Relations, told Massively that the layoffs did indeed occur, and they occurred for "restructuring purposes." However, Brennan did not confirm which departments were affected, only emphasizing that the restructure will not impact the company's online games.
"In order to ensure it is operating effectively, the Square Enix Los Angeles office has reduced its workforce," Brennan told Massively. "This was a difficult decision, and we wish the best for those affected by these changes. The decision will not have any impact on the operations of MMO titles. Customers can expect those services to continue, including the upcoming launch of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn."
As someone who has been laid off right before the holidays before, I greatly empathize with these former employees' pain. There's nothing that rings in your personal holiday cheer like a pink slip. While it's great Square Enix will not be canceling or postponing these games, it's incredibly sad to see people lose their jobs, no matter the reason.
We wish all of those affected the best and may they find new ventures quickly.
