In recent weeks, we have reported on significant layoffs at Naughty Dog , but it turns out that not only the team responsible for The Last of Us and Uncharted series is facing some challenges. Visual Arts Group also lost some employees.
During the previous generation, Sony Interactive Entertainment was responsible for preparing many excellent single-player games, and many players believe that the productions of the Japanese corporation set the standards in fiction stories. Over time, the company also opened up to online titles, which poses some difficulties. A few weeks ago, we discussed the topic of The Last of Us online and employee layoffs at Naughty Dog. However, the topic returns, but it concerns a different team.
Over the weekend, the first disturbing signals appeared regarding the Visual Arts Group, a team founded in 2007 whose task is to support the main PlayStation studios in creating new spectacular adventures. According to reports, several studio employees were hit by a wave of layoffs.
Unfortunately, after a wave of layoffs, last week was my last at PlayStation. While this is certainly not the news I was hoping for, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work among incredibly talented colleagues on amazing projects and I leave with good memories of this time, wrote Daniel Bellemere.
Daniel Bellemere, senior level designer, has been working on unannounced projects at PlayStation. Sean Teo also said goodbye to the company:
Hello everyone, my contract with PlayStation Visual Arts has unfortunately come to an end. I am currently looking for a new position and am flexible to work on video games, theatrical films and commercial work.
Much more similar news appeared, and some employees had the opportunity to develop The Last of Us Part I. Visual Arts Group initially worked on refreshing the game, but the project was taken away from the company and taken over by Naughty Dog.
There are many indications that Sony has decided to reduce the team that has been helping other studios produce and refine games for years.
Source: VGC