Relic announces layoffs following its split from Sega
It says cuts will give it “the best possible chance to survive in an increasingly volatile industry”
A week after being sold by Sega and becoming an independent studio, Relic Entertainment has announced a round of layoffs.
While the company hasn’t publicly put a number on the amount of affected employees, Relic external development producer Robyn Smale said the studio had “lost a number of amazing people – 41”.
Vancouver, Canada-based Relic specialises in real-time strategy games including the Company of Heroes, Age of Empires and Homeworld series.
“Letting people go was not an easy decision, and was made solely with the goal of providing Relic the best possible chance to survive in an increasingly volatile industry,” the company said. “It does not in any way reflect the expertise, passion, or character of any of the impacted employees.
“We are working closely with those affected providing severance packages, extended benefits, and outplacement support options.
“To those we are saying goodbye to, we are deeply sorry that it has come to this. We thank you for everything you have done for our studio and our projects, and we wish you all the best.”
Last Thursday, Sega announced it was selling Relic to a holding company to be newly established by the UK investment firm Emona Capital LLP.
The move was part of wider restructuring of the Japanese publisher’s European arm, which also included 240 jobs cuts.
The majority of these are being made at Creative Assembly and Sega Europe, with a smaller number also being cut at Sega Hardlight, all three of which are based in the UK.
Further reading
Relic says it will continue to support its existing games after being sold by Sega
Sega laid off 121 employees at Relic last May, shortly before the studio’s most recent game, Company of Heroes 3, made the jump from PC to consoles.
Relic said last week that it plans to continue supporting existing games, while “creating new experiences for our fans worldwide”.
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