ArenaNet, the developer of Guild Wars 2, is set to issue staff layoffs in the near future. The news comes via an anonymous source speaking to Kotaku, as a company-wide email sent by NCSoft West, which owns ArenaNet, cited notable declines in revenue from its live service games, and delays on expansion content forcing the company to reconstruct their workforce.

A huge factor in the lack of revenue is due to ArenaNet having not released a new game since late 2017, which was the Path of Fire expansion for Guild Wars 2. Those speaking anonymously who work for ArenaNet say there are unannounced projects also being worked on, however due to the slow progress of those respective titles, changes will need to be made internally.

In the previously mentioned company-wide email, sent by NCSoft West President Songyee Yoon, the cost cuts will see the publishing divisions of both ArenaNet and NCSoft merged together. While this reconstruction will likely lead to many jobs lost, the recent announcement comes on the back of NCSoft shutting down Carbine Studios back in September.

Carbine Studios' only title was an MMO-RPG called WildStar, which released on PC back in 2014, and was in a steady decline throughout its lifetime after seeing initial success when it released. Just last month, NCSoft also announced layoffs at Iron Tiger Studios, who at this time are working on an unannounced project.

While the approach to cost cutting in game development more often than not results in people losing their jobs, seeing a steady decline in a long running franchise such as Guild Wars 2 is also tough to see unfold. Despite the unfortunate news, sources talking to Kotaku said employees at ArenaNet have been told by management that those who end up being let go will receive at least two months' severance. Those with tenure at ArenaNet will earn bonus time as well, allowing anyone directly affected at least some time to look for a new employer.

Guild Wars 2 is currently available on PC.

Source: Kotaku