Another Game Developer Cuts Back on Its Working Force

Electronic Arts isn't the only one that has started firing its people. The gaming industry that was supposed to be recession-proof is beginning to feel the effect of the global financial crisis more and more. The money-shortage has spread to all four corners of our near-spherical Earth and it has even reached the down-under. Australian developer Krome Studios finds itself forced to let some of its employees go as well.

According to IndustryGamers, the company had to depart with "an undisclosed number of employees." Krome CEO Robert Walsh commented on the decision and said that it did its best to go easy on its workers. "With declining game sales the industry is really feeling the effects of the struggling economy. In spite of industry wide cutbacks and Krome's need to reduce costs, we've worked really hard to minimize the impact on our staff."

Krome's decision could be a temporary and reversible one, as its investment plans, if they turn out to be successful, could see the company bringing back some of the people it laid off. Even so, the company comes first, and the people that made the company work come second. "These cuts, while incredibly difficult as they affect the co-workers we consider friends, are necessary as we position Krome for the future," Walsh said. "We're also actively pursuing several business opportunities which, if secured, will enable Krome to reemploy some of the staff given notice."

It's rather optimistic of the company to expect loyalty from the people that it itself gave none to. Still, business is business, and money along with fancy cars don't grow in trees. The developers over at Krome, even those that have departed, are responsible for the PlayStation 2 and Wii ports of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes, which was released earlier this month.