Sony cuts down on San Diego Studio (update)

This afternoon saw layoffs hit Sony Interactive Entertainment San Diego, a development branch devoted to the MLB: The Show series and other games.

An estimated 40 to 50 people were let go from the studio, according to one of those affected by the layoffs. The employee asked that their name not be used so that their hunt for a new job wouldn't be impacted. Although new jobs opened up at the San Diego studio earlier today, Sony told Polygon that there has been "a reduction in headcount."

"We continually evaluate teams and programs at SIE Worldwide Studios to ensure we have the proper resources in place to deliver innovative products within a competitive landscape," a representative for the company said. "As projects are completed, it is natural to review and restructure teams around current and future needs."

The ex-San Diego staffer told Polygon that those working on Kill Strain and another, unannounced project were terminated, and were told that Kill Strain had ceased production immediately. Meanwhile, the team behind baseball franchise MLB: The Show has been excluded from the layoffs.

Kill Strain launched this past summer on PlayStation 4, the latest in a trio of online multiplayer games from SIE San Diego. Along with Guns Up and upcoming Drawn to Death, the service-based games were designed to be long-running and free-to-play.

Update: Sony told Polygon that Kill Strain isn't dead yet, despite the layoffs.

"We are continuing to support Kill Strain. Also to note, the external development team at San Diego Studio has not been affected and Drawn to Death remains in production."