Sega Australia redundancies cut staff in half

Job cuts at Sega's Brisbane studio have hit 37 staffers as the studio shifts focus to the digital sphere.

"The rise of digital gaming provides an opportunity to align the studio with a rapidly growing market at a time when the games industry is undergoing a significant transition," Sega Australia said in a statement.

"As part of this focus on digital avenues, there is a requirement to re-structure the studio resources accordingly and regrettably, we are announcing the loss of 37 staff. The decision to downsize was not taken lightly but this strategic re-structure will ensure we have a more effective and agile team that will enable us to quickly adapt to consumer needs and deliver strong content across multiple digital platforms."

The Brisbane development team had been winding down production on the near-complete London 2012 – The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games, and the remaining staff will soon turn their attention to future digital titles.

"We can confirm that SSA has signed a multi-product deal focussing across the digital marketplace. We have commenced development on these titles and will announce more details in the near future," Sega said, thanking former staffers for their efforts.

Sega Studios Australia was founded as an international arm of British-based developer The Creative Assembly prior to the latter's buyout by Sega, and was responsible for Stromrise in addition to work on the Total War series.

Our sympathies and all the best to those affected. Sega's lay-offs come on the heels of redundancies at THQ Australia and unconfirmed reports of cuts at two EA_owned Australian mobile developers.

Thanks, PlayerAttack.