[2019] mass layoffs at SLG

Hello everyone,
it's true that five people had to leave the company on Monday, which i would not consider a "mass layoff" though.
I've got clearance to give you some insight into that, but I ask for understanding that i will not be able to go into any more detail and won't comment any further than this:

One of the five was let go for cause, another one was a contractor whose contract was not renewed and the other three were employees that were laid off.
The reason for the layoffs and the contractor not being renewed is both financial as well as a restructuring of the working positions and therefore a very hard but not unusual business decision.
Before these measures we also hired a new artist, several new developers and two people working in a dedicated quality assurance team that we didn't have until then but was definitely required.
These changes made sure that we have a complete and fitting team that works on Eco and that we can sustain it long-term without getting problems which is especially important for a indie game studio.

I can assure you that this will not have negative impact on the development of Eco, but rather a positive one, especially given the dedicated quality assurance team we now have, the stock up in required positions and the ability to sustain this long-term.
I obviously do understand that losing a job is a horrible experience and feel with my colleagues that lost their jobs and wish them all the best, but i also feel that a public post about this, especially in this manner was not fair, even when one is understandably mad.

Dennis

Community Manager at Strange Loop Games