Chaos at Epic Games: Mass Layoffs and High-Level Departure Amidst Gaming Industry Turmoil

In what should have been an exciting time for gamers with the upcoming release season, the video game industry is marred by significant layoffs across various studios. Epic Games, one of the major players, has come under fire for laying off a staggering 830 employees last week. Adding to the chaos, Sergiy Galyonkin, the director of publishing strategy, has also bid adieu to the company.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, Galyonkin expressed his gratitude for the eight years spent at Epic Games. He highlighted the company’s transformative journey, from the triumph of Fortnite to the shift in Epic’s revenue structure.

pic.twitter.com/xrKmD2JfvB

— Sergiy Galyonkin (@galyonkin) October 2, 2023

Galyonkin’s departure is marked by his acknowledgment that Epic Games is evolving into something new—a platform, or ‘Epic 5.0,’ as he termed it. He admitted that he doesn’t align with this new vision and intends to stay in the gaming industry, hinting at a more outspoken role without PR constraints.

His parting words, stating he’s “not a good fit for this new version of Epic,” and the promise of increased vocalisation, raise questions about the company’s direction. Epic’s rapid growth may have altered its ethos, leaving Galyonkin seeking a return to his gaming roots. His next move promises to be intriguing.