Layoffs hit Obsidian Entertainment

A post on Joystiq today reveals that 20 to 30 people have been laid off from Obsidian Entertainment, the developer currently working on the much-ballyhooed South Park RPG. In fact, according to the anonymous tipster the post cites, some of those who’ve lost their jobs were working on the South Park project.

Said the tipster:

“Another project canceled, this time for a future next-gen project and the layoffs impacted that team, plus the existing South Park team. Approximately 20-30 people from all disciplines, including one person who started yesterday, as well as one who started last week.”

The news first broke, it seems, on Obsidian’s own forums. As of this writing, however, Obsidian has yet to release a statement about the reports.

It might be worth mentioning that the South Park game is meant to be published by THQ, a company that’s been going through some pretty huge layoffs and financial problems since the start of the new year. While I can’t establish much of a connection, perhaps it’s possible that THQ has had to reduce the amount of money Obsidian will receive for the development of the South Park game due to their own cashflow problems—meaning Obsidian has had to trim their own fat to compensate. I want to make it clear: that’s purely conjecture on my part. But until we hear more about what’s really going on, it’s the closest thing I can think of for this most recent round of layoffs.

Our condolences to those who’ve lost their jobs—especially those who were just hired. I mean…just…dang. That is harsh.

Via Joystiq