Star Wars game developer LucasArts has confirmed to Kotaku that it's making cutbacks at its internal studios today. Word from those affected by LucasArts layoffs indicating deep cuts.
One former LucasArts developer, let go from the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II team, called today's round of layoffs a "massacre," with an estimated 60 people let go from development and 25 from external production and QA getting the employment vibro-ax. The Force Unleashed II was said to have "gone gold" last Friday in time for its mid-September release date.
LucasArts wouldn't specify current headcount at the studio or how many developers were let go today, but did offer confirmation on the reduction.
"LucasArts is reorganizing its teams to better address the needs of the internal studio. Unfortunately, this means adjusting staffing," reads a statement from the company. "LucasArts continues to be committed to creating a first-class internal studio – and to fostering relationships with trusted external partners – in order to deliver quality games that amaze and inspire fans."
Today's layoffs at LucasArts aren't much of a surprise. Word from the studio indicated weeks ago that new LucasArts president Paul Meegan was making serious cuts to projects and people. One of the projects rumored to have been cut was Star Wars: The Force Unleashed III.
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