NCsoft and Midway: A Tale of Love and Layoffs in a Texas Oasis

NCsoft and Midway about to flood the hiring pool.

I hope no one is swimming in Austin today. It seems a few companies are deciding to take a big ol' dump in the hiring pool. All the following comes from credible sources inside the respective studios that for obvious reasons have requested to remain anonymous.

First up, we have Midway Austin. What are they known for? Nada. So it comes as no surprise that they're about to lay off at least 50 people.

Second, and possibly the biggest blow to Austin's development scene, NCsoft is about to axe the vast majority of their staff. About 150 NCsoft Austin folks are on the chopping block. Ironically, Tabula Rasa's crew is being given a chance to turn this around. So, while the first round of layoffs will consist of 20-30 unlucky souls, I'm confident enough to say that it's only a matter of time. Mostly because Tabula Rasa is not a good game. I'm sure a lot of these folks are wondering if what they're hearing is Richard Garriott laughing. Unfortunately, you can't hear people laugh in space.

On a kinder note, to all of my friends at both studios: I would personally like to apologize. No one should be allowed to give you this brand of Kool-Aid. It's just not how things should go down. News like this should be delivered personally by the people responsible, not by some news outlet.

I know it's hard when some executives have the business sense of a toddler and are willing to leave game design up to people who - if the world were kind - would be on display next to the dinosaur exhibits at your local museums. Unfortunately, the world is not kind. You have my condolences and I wish you the best.

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