Gas Powered Games boss: some staffers feel "huge relief" over lay-offs

Gas Powered Games boss Chris Taylor isn't happy about laying off arund 40 staff, but he says some of those whose positions were cut are.

Speaking to the Penny Arcade Report, Taylor seemed to be suggesting that his former employees appreciated an end to the uncertainty of working for a company in financial trouble.

"I think it was also a huge relief for many, and they’re happy to know what’s ahead of them," Taylor said.

Some of the staff will be rehired should the Wildman Kickstarter attract enough funding to power its continued development.

"They can keep an eye on the Kickstarter campaign at the same time as they are sending out their resumes,” Taylor added.

"And they’ve got money in their pocket. A big part of this decision was because of other big developers closing down, people finding out on payday that there’s no money, that the company is broke. Everyone at [Gas Powered Games] knew that I would never do that. In all of the 15 years I’ve run the company I’ve never missed a payroll, and let me tell you, that’s saying something.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Taylor addressed questions over the timing of the lay-offs, which some have suggested feel like a publicity stunt for the Kickstarter, or as if Taylor were gambling his staff on the goodwill of backers.

The developer explained that he had honestly believed the Kickstarter would be immediately successful - which would have let him know he could continue to employ staff until the funding came in - but that he understands why onlookers are suspicious.

“In fact, there’s something else that’s quite positive about this terrible situation, and that is an opportunity to talk more about what goes on in the business. I’ve always had this desire to share the inside story, but it’s really not been possible up until now," he said.

Wildman has garnered just $285,000 of its $1.1 million goal at time of writing.