Layoffs at id Software, BigBig Studios and Monumental

It’s been a bleak day for those looking to hold down a job in games development, as no fewer than three studios announced layoffs today. A number of staff at id Software, BigBig Studios and Monumental have all been let go.
Bethesda, who now own id Software, has stated that the layoffs at the Rage developer are “part of its standard business practice” and confirmed that “some id employees were recently let go”. However, the id team is said to be “still recruiting and hiring qualified developers” and that work on future titles (including Doom 4) “continues unabated”.
There are bigger concerns at BigBig Studios, which has been shut down by Sony immediately after completing work on Little Deviants for the PlayStation Vita. In addition, Sony is ‘restructuring’ its Cambridge studio to work closely with Amsterdam developer Guerilla and bring the Killzone series to Vita. It’s unclear how many employees will be affected by the BigBig closure.
Confirming the closure in typically caring corporate fashion, Sony said: “BigBig have been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since joining in 2007. However, it was felt that by focusing on other Studios … we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers”.
Finally, it’s being reported that MotoGP developers Monumental have fired their entire remaining workforce (numbering 20 people) after entering administration last week.
Sources: joystiq.com, gamesindustry.biz, develop-online.net
Image taken from id Software’s Rage