NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

[Steve_OS]

Before anyone blows a gasket, I've highlighted in bold, the important parts. Just remember, it is 30 people from Visual Concepts, not 30 from NBA 2K11, but I'm sure there were a few casualties. Either way, it's not good to see anyone lose their job.

"Visual Concepts, known best for its critically acclaimed NBA 2K series, has taken a hit over the last week, as the sports developer has lost around 30 employees. NBA 2K11 doesn't ship until October 5, but this staff reduction apparently won't hurt the game's progress, publisher 2K Sports has told us.

After a source tipped us off that between 30-40 people were let go from Visual Concepts, IndustryGamers received confirmation from Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Take-Two.

"In order to properly align its resources with its current and future goals, and to continue to develop games as efficiently as possible, 2K Sports has eliminated approximately 30 positions at its Visual Concepts studio. These reductions will not affect 2K Sports’ ability to create and deliver AAA titles, including its upcoming release of NBA 2K11," he said.

We wish those affected the best of luck in quickly finding new employment."

Source - Industry Gamers

[Dewie12]

This can't be good.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Sorry to hear this. Just stumbled upon this news while searching for free mac games. Good luck to all those who were laid off. Hope you guys bounce back quickly.

[cdiddy71323]

It's going to be funny to see all the Elite homers coming here trying to rag on this, yet those 30 people probably had nothing to do with 2K11 at all. Every company is going through hard times and you just got to cut off the jobs that aren't key to production

[Majingir]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Maybe they spent so much time/money into making 2K11 better, they can't afford as much people working on games anymore lol.

The game should be almost developing shouldn't it? It's a month till demo time so I'd think that other than rosters and small things, game should be complete.

[Steve_OS]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Just in case you guys didn't actually "read" the article.

-----------------

Before anyone blows a gasket, I've highlighted in bold, the important parts. Just remember, it is 30 people from Visual Concepts, not 30 from NBA 2K11, but I'm sure there were a few casualties.

[dexvex]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Sorry to those who got laid off. This is why we have one of the ****tiest career paths there are. Job security is a f'n joke these days. Its times like this that im glad i work for such a small co.

[DaveDQ]

Does anyone know how many employees VC houses?

[intruda119]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Dont most big companies lay off people before games release? This happens alot when bulk of the work is done. Getting laidoff hurts but I think this is a usual thing

[Dice]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

That's terrible. Especially in this economy. NBA 2K11 should be ok. Typically, games are normally done 2 months before release so NBA2K11 will be released as scheduled.

Well, I hope my man Mike Wang didn't get the ax.

[SacKings1999]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

That's horrible. I thought 2k was experiencing record sales this past year. And I can only imagine 2k11 will sell like hot cakes. Oh well, I don't know too much about business- so they did what they have to do. But I still feel for those who lost their jobs- hope they find work soon and bounce back.

[CMH]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Dont most big companies lay off people before games release? This happens alot when bulk of the work is done. Getting laidoff hurts but I think this is a usual thing

I believe you might be onto something here, though, I'm sure it's more complicated than that.

But, yes, video game companies will do this. Actually, lots of jobs do this. If the company hires extra people to get something done and that something is done then that company no longer needs those people.

Happens all the time in film and television. It's hard but I would think that most of the names expected that they would have to find new employment. Again, doesn't make it easy or ok, but makes it somewhat easier to know they should be all right.

[Pared]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Sad this had to happen.

[Mr_Riddick]

Re: NBA 2K11 Developer Visual Concepts Lays Off 30 Employees

Sadly, that's what happens in every industry.

[aloncho11]

I'm sure they're very talented people who will find job positions at other companies. My best to all of them.