Epic Games recently undertook a significant restructuring, resulting in over 1,000 employee layoffs and the discontinuation of three Fortnite game modes. CEO Tim Sweeney attributed these difficult decisions to a “decline in Fortnite engagement,” broader “industry-wide challenges,” and specific “unique Epic factors.”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney’s Statement on Layoffs
Following the difficult news, Sweeney has made a public appeal, encouraging employers and hiring managers to actively review the resumes of the affected individuals.
Sweeney stated: “In the coming days, employers will receive a flood of resumes from candidates of exceptional quality.”
He further clarified: “It’s important to understand that Epic never lowered its hiring standards as the company grew, and the layoffs were not a ‘reductions in force’ based on performance, as companies define it today.”
He concluded by asserting: “Anyone indicating they worked for Epic Games on their resume is highly likely to be among the narrow circle of the industry’s top professionals.” While this statement aims to support the former employees, it arrives as a bittersweet compliment in the wake of such a substantial mass layoff.
It has also been reported that the artist responsible for Jonesy, one of Fortnite’s most iconic characters, was among those laid off.