FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the ongoing issue of layoffs in the video game industry, asserting his commitment to protecting his studio.
Amid mass layoffs at major companies like Embracer Group AB (OTC:THQQF), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Sony Group Corp. (NYSE:SONY), Miyazaki told PC Gamer: “As long as this company is my responsibility, that’s something I would not let happen.”
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While acknowledging that FromSoftware’s future isn’t entirely within his control due to its ownership by Kadokawa Corporation, Miyazaki expressed confidence that the parent company shares his views on layoffs.
“Speaking to myself and this company, I want to say that this is not something I would wish on the staff at FromSoftware in a million years,” he said. He added: “I’m pretty sure our parent company Kadokawa understands that and shares that view.”
Miyazaki also referenced former Nintendo ADR (OTC:NTDOY) president Satoru Iwata, who took a pay cut to avoid layoffs during tough times.
Iwata had famously said: “I sincerely doubt employees who fear that they may be laid off will be able to develop software titles that could impress people around the world.”
Miyazaki echoed this sentiment: “People who are afraid of losing their jobs are afraid of making good things.”
Despite the uncertainties and the recent closures of studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, Miyazaki’s stance offers some reassurance to FromSoftware’s employees.
“While we can’t say 100%… at least as long as this company is my responsibility, that’s something I would not let happen,” he concluded.
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