Image via PlayStation
Sony is reportedly conducting layoffs across its Visual Arts and PlayStation Studios Malaysia support studios.
Numerous current and former PlayStation employees shared the news on Linkedin, indicating there have been widespread cuts on a global scale.
"I don't often post, in fact, I think this is my first post. So with sadness in my heart, I was part of the PlayStation Visual Arts layoffs today," wrote senior material artist Lewis Labram.
"My 16-year journey at Visual Arts has come to an end as I was recently affected by this week's layoffs. It has been a great run and a privilege to work with some truly amazing people on fantastic projects over the years," added animation supervisor Chris Clyde.
A number of other Visual Arts workers indicated their time at the studio has come to an end, prompting an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues.
Sony also appears to have downsized other PlayStation teams.
A senior project manager at PlayStation Studios Malaysia claimed a "wave of workforce reduction" has swept across the studio and its global counterparts—pushing them out of the door on the eve of their two-year work anniversary.
"As mentioned in the other post, there was a wave of workforce reduction and unfortunately I'm no longer part of the PS brand, along with a few other Production mates in this then-cheerful lunch photo," they added on Linkedin.
"Saddest, most devastating part for me was seeing high performers and key individuals who were actively working on projects being laid off. I wish everyone affected all the very best, and I hope we all come back stronger from this challenging ordeal.
Those statements appear to corroborate a report from Kotaku, which has spoken to one anonymous source who claimed Sony is conducting widespread layoffs across its network of internal studios.
Kotaku claims some of those laid off had been working on now-canceled projects, but that others were also impacted.
The latest reports have surfaced just months after Sony scrapped live-service misfire Concord and shuttered internal studios Firewalk and Neon Koi. Prior to that, it laid off around 900 workers across key studios such as Insomniac, Guerrilla, and Naughty Dog.
The PlayStation maker also reportedly canceled a live-service project in development at Bend Studio at the beginning of 2025.
Sony is now attempting to "maximise synergies" under fresh leadership. At the beginning of the year, the company appointed Hideaki Nishino as president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment to "reach new heights."
Moving forward, Nishino said the company must focus on its two biggest strengths: technology and creativity. "We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation," he added.
Game Developer has reached out to Sony for comment.
