Sega of America is laying off 61 people across its offices in Irvine, California.
The news was highlighted by an X bot that tracks WARN notices filed in the region and has since been confirmed by multiple Sega of America employees on social media.
WARN notices must be submitted by employers with over 100 workers at least 60 days before they plan to enact layoffs or closures, as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
The notices themselves have been verified by Game Developer and reveal that Sega of America intends to cut 49 jobs at its Irvine office on Oak Canyon Road. Another 20 layoffs will be made at its Irvine office on Warner Avenue. Those cuts will seemingly take effect on March 8, 2024.
Read the full story at Game Developer.
Drinking to my Sega pals tonight. I don't know how many of these cuts are to localization specifically, but I know they're happening and as confirmed elsewhere, they weren't in the works to take place until the union specifically took off. A sobering reminder that you can put out some of the best in class work in the industry and singlehandedly turn niche IP into industry juggernauts enjoyed by millions and turning heads among the platform holders themselves and yet still, you're only as valuable and indispensable to companies in this line of work for as long as you don't cause trouble for them.
The effects of a brain drain that's already been taking place there the last few years for a variety of reasons are bound to be exacerbated by all this. My heart aches for all the talented people there being punished with firing and outsourcing to other branches for just wanting a little more dignity and respect from a company they played a huge role in rehabilitating after so many years spent finding its footing again. You all are an inspiration to the rest of us and deserve so much better. You're on the right side of history and may your sacrifices yet be vindicated as this tide towards a better future in our industry becomes harder and harder to reverse.