The developers of VRchat are gearing for one of the largest layoffs in the studio’s history. Announced on X/Twitter Wednesday evening, VRchat told their employees that around 30% of its team would be let go.
While it was a difficult decision to make, VRchat stated that these layoffs were necessary to “secure the future success of their business.”
In the company letter from their CEO Graham Gaylor, more details was given towards the reason for the layoffs.
According to Gaylor, the layoffs were mainly due to taking too long to add management, over-hiring ICs, needing more time to execute their new strategy, and needing different roles and expertise at the company.
“While today is painful as we say goodbye to our talented friends and colleagues, we are setting up VRChat for long-term success. We have our work cut out for us, and now we have the foundation and time to execute towards our goals,” wrote Gaylor.
“Our mission remains the same, and it bears repeating: to enrich the world through immersive social connection and bring that magic to billions of people. Our responsibility is to maintain and grow the space we’ve created in VRChat, where so many people have found friends, family, and happiness, and to bring that opportunity to everyone,” he continued.
The news of the layoffs was met with disappointment by VRChat fans online. Additionally, employees who were affected by the layoffs made their well wishes towards the game’s community, with most stating that their time with VRchat were some of their best years of their careers.
VRchat’s layoffs are the latest during a trying time within the video game industry.