SOE lays off 35 employees [updated]

Some weeks, it seems like gaming news is pre-orchestrated to run on certain themes. This week's theme? Lay-offs, unfortunately.

"In a move to better align the company's resources against areas of growth that meet consumer demand in today's online market as well as improve operational efficiency, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated just over 4 percent of its full-time workforce, equaling 35 people," SOE's Scott Gulbransen said in a statement to Joystiq.

SOE's currently hard at work on The Agency and DC Universe Online. It also recently announced a free-to-play Star Wars: Clone Wars MMO.

"The changes will better position SOE to deliver against its emphasis on developing games for a wider, more diverse audience and remaining a worldwide leader in online gaming," Gulbransen added.

According to Massively, EverQuest II has lost Brett "Timetravelling" Scheinert, raid designer on Sentinel's Fate.

It's also rumored Vanguard has lost William Bidermann and Joel "Raijinn" Sasaki, who is the game's community manager.

Steve Kramer, former EQII designer who was moved over toThe Agency, was also let go, along with two unnamed marketing employees.

Best of luck, all. But who needs those well-established companies anyway? Start your own development studio! Call it Rock at Dawn Online Entertainment or something. You know, be creative.