Layoffs Hit Video Game Developers Activision and Treyarch

Layoffs have hit Activision and Treyarch in an effort to shift their focus away from licensed games.

Activision Publishing confirmed today that 30 of its employees have been laid off in 2013.

According to Gamespot, Activision released the following statement:

“Like any successful business, Activision Publishing consistently works to align its costs with its revenues; this is an ongoing process. In 2013, we expect to release fewer games based on license properties and as a result are realigning our structure to better reflect the market opportunities and our slate. Approximately, 30 full-time employees have been impacted globally, which represents approximately one half of one percent of Activision Blizzard’s employee population. We are offering those employees who are impacted outplacement counseling services.”

Specific titles were not mentioned, but Activision’s licensed game franchises include Transformers, James Bond, and Spider-Man.

Activision’s recent release, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, was developed by studio Treyarch, who also experienced layoffs. According to IGN, they said:

“Now that we have launched Black Ops II, we are taking a minimal reduction in staff to better align our development talent against the needs of DLC development. The release of the DLC will not be impacted by this move.”

Activision’s licensed titles due in 2013 include Deadpool, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, and the first of three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, possibly based on the upcoming Michael Bay film. Their James Bond licensing deal is reportedly set to expire following the removal of the titles from Steam.

How do you feel about the layoffs at Activision and Treyarch? Do you enjoy their licensed games?

Layoffs hit Activision, in an effort to move away from licensed games go.ign.com/VuhzH7

— IGN (@IGN) February 19, 2013