The popular racing game developers Codemasters, have suffered layoffs, sources told Eurogamer.
Known for their Formula 1 and Dirt series, Codemasters currently have a staff of around 500, with 30 apparently at risk of losing their positions. According to an unnamed source, the game designers for the Grid and Dirt games are the ones at risk, with the programmers and production staff relatively safe.
Codemasters currently have two known games in production: a new F1 game for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and a new entry in the Dirt series. A smaller, downsized team have been working on the new Dirt entry, which was originally planned to be announced soon.
A spokesperson for the game developer gave the following quote to Eurogamer:
“As Codemasters continues its programme of strategic realignment in line with market changes, the company has reviewed its current structures to focus on areas of increased importance and decrease resources in areas where work requirements have been reduced.
“As a result of this review, a small number of roles have been proposed as being at risk of redundancy. Those in potentially affected roles are now involved in a consultation period to discuss the proposal. The proposal does not affect the on-going production of titles in development and no projects have been cancelled as a result of the proposal.”
Codemasters’ last game was the less than impactful F1 2014 in October. The game launch for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The developers are yet to release a game for the new generation of consoles.
Our wishes go out to all those possibly affected by the news.