AUSTIN, Texas — A game development software company that recently underwent leadership changes is laying off dozens of employees in Austin.
Unity Technologies is a video game software development company with offices around the world, including one on Comal Street in Austin. Now, according to a WARN letter sent to the Texas Workforce Commission, the company is cutting 92 jobs in the Capital City.
The Austin layoffs are part of a 25% cut of overall staff, according to a Jan. 8 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing states that the company plans to cut approximately 1,800 jobs as it "restructures and refocuses on its core business" and "to position itself for long-term and profitable growth."
A Unity spokesperson said that the decision "was not taken lightly" and the company extends its "deepest gratitude to those affected for their dedication and contributions."
"We are committed to supporting impacted employees through this challenging transition," the spokesperson said. "We appreciate the understanding and support of our community and stakeholders as we navigate these changes together."
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Unity has gone through leadership shifts – and controversy – in recent months.
In late September, gaming-focused media platforms like The Verge and Polygon reported that the company had announced a new pricing model that infuriated developers. The Verge reported that some developers threatened to never use Unity again or to switch to a new platform in the middle of their next game because of the fees Unity planned to charge.
Polygon reported that the outrage led Unity to backtrack and revise the policy.
Then in early October, it was reported that Unity CEO John Riccitiello was retiring. Since then, the company has been run by Interim CEO James Whithurst.
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