PlayStation Studio, Firesprite, has laid off an undisclosed number of employees. This is in line with the mass layoff announcement by Sony in February. At the time of writing, GameBaba Universe can confirm that the game director for Horizon Call of the Mountain, Alex Barnes, was one of those impacted by the layoff.
“Today was my last day at Firesprite and PlayStation, as after nearly 7 years I am being made redundant,” wrote Barnes in a lengthy message he shared on both LinkedIn and X. “It has been a tough time over the past few months, but I want to mention the incredible folks that have continued to help each other through all of this despite having to deal with all of this themselves.”
Barnes has updated his profile on LinkedIn to add that he is “currently on a career break to travel”. He said he would use the break to “see more of the world!” Under Barnes’ watch, Horizon Call of the Mountain was named the Best VR Game at Golden Joysticks. The game also won the Best Visual Design at TIGA Awards.
“The people at Firesprite and Guerrilla that pulled together to build Horizon Call of the Mountain were some of the most talented and dedicated developers I’ve had the pleasure to work with. It has been the honour of a lifetime to have been the Game Director with a team like this, that produced the magic time and again, to release an award-winning and Bafta-nominated first-party PSVR2 launch title!
“I look forward to seeing what incredible things these amazing people will continue to bring to the industry and to players everywhere. I know that they will be an asset wherever they go next.”
At the time of writing, neither Firesprite nor PlayStation has commented on the development at the studio. Other games developed by the PlayStation studio include Run Sackboy! Run!, Air Force Special OPS Nightfall, The Persistence, and Star Citizen.
Other employees impacted by the Firesprite layoff have spoken up
At least three other employees impacted by the layoff have posted about it on LinkedIn including a 3D environment artist, VFX artist, and audio director suggesting the layoff cut across several departments.
“Time for that banner to turn green,” wrote audio director Jethro Dunn on LinkedIn. “I’ll shortly be leaving Firesprite in the wake of the PlayStation global headcount reductions. It was a good time, I got to work with some amazing people and I’m sad to be leaving… but now I’m looking for the next thing.
Principal VFX artist Chris Ioakeimoglou mentioned that April 30th marked the end of his journey at Firesprite. “It’s been an incredible chapter filled with growth, challenges, and memorable experiences. As I move forward into new endeavors, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities Firesprite has provided me.”
“To those who may be affected by this transition, please know that I’m here to offer support and guidance. Change can be daunting, but it also opens doors to new opportunities. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m excited for what comes next!”
Thomas McLennan who worked as a 3D environment artist also mentioned that April 30th was his last day with Firesprite and SIE. He called it “a super strange and heartbreaking feeling”.
“Going to miss so many people, already missing the brews and scrums so much. Hoping to pop up to the studio at some point soon to get some “IRL” closure and maybe one last selfie.”
Several factors have been blamed for the massive layoffs in the video game industry including publisher greed and the replacement of repetitive roles by AI. Over 8,000 jobs have already been lost in the industry this year—and there is no sign that we have reached the end.
