As a big gamer I am always on the lookout for stories involving gaming but this one is a sad note as Sony Online Entertainment is closing down game studios in Bellevue, Denver and Tucson, Arizona which will eliminate 205 jobs. Also it is discontinuing the development on an online spy game called The Agency. It is unclear how many jobs will truly be eliminated but from the reports I read 205 is about the right total. It is unclear on why Sony is actually this cut back and has decided to scrape this online game The Agency. Here is the full statement from Sony Online:
As part of a strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce, SOE announced today that it will eliminate 205 positions and close its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios. As part of this restructuring, SOE is discontinuing production of The Agency so it can focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games. All possible steps are being taken to ensure team members affected by the transition are treated with appropriate concern.
This strategic decision will have no impact on SOE?s current portfolio of live games; additionally SOE will transition development efforts for the Denver and Tucson studios? suite of products to its San Diego headquarters. This strategic alignment of development resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online gaming and deliver on its promise of creating entertaining games for players of all ages, and servicing the 20 million players that visited SOE servers in just the past year.