Layoffs Hit Daybreak Game Studios (Updated)

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor Posted:
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Everquest logo

Apparently, there will be changes with Daybreak Game Studio, and they're here now.

Longtime SOE/Daybreak employees Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson and Linda "Brasse" Carlson were let go from the company today. Georgeson was the Director of Development for the EverQuest franchise, which included EverQuest, EverQuest II, Landmark, and EverQuest Next, while Carlson was the company's Head of Community Relations.

Georgeson announced his departure via Twitter:

While Carlson took to her Facebook account to announce the news:

Good morning, my friends. Almost exactly six years ago today, I had just lost my job, I posted then, "So, if anyone needs a proper Dwarf..." and my adventure with SOE began.
Today I post again... so, if anyone needs a proper Dwarf...
I have been released from the best and most challenging job I have ever had. I thank you all for being part of that incredible experience. Too many people to thank personally, but know that I am extraordinarily grateful and very curious where life takes me now.

We wish all those affected luck in their next stops. PlanetSide 2 creative director Matt Higby said via Twitter that there was a "big round of layoffs this morning" (though he didn't comment on his own status), so we'll update this post if we hear of any more departures from DBC.

Update: Zam is reporting that EQ2 artist Aaron "Gnobrin" Bisnett, who was with the company for 12 years, has also been let go (which he confirmed via Facebook), as has EQ2 developer Akil "Lyndro" Hooper.

Update again: Graphic Designer Noah Watkins has also been let go. So far, it seems like most of the cuts were from the various EverQuest teams, as several PlanetSide 2 and H1Z1-related employees have confirmed that they've been retained.

Update 2/12: Reddit user Thjoth has complied a list of all the known/confirmed individuals impacted by Daybreak Game layoffs so far.

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In this article: EverQuest, Everquest Next, Landmark, Everquest II, Dave Georgeson, Daybreak Game Studio, Linda Carlson.

About the Author

Jason Winter
Jason Winter, News Editor

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

More Stories by Jason Winter

Discussion (14)

Charlawls 9 years ago
Honestly, Landmark runs like complete shit for how mediocre it looks...compared to every other beta I have been a part of in the past few years. I feel like I really wasted my money buying into it, but at least it was only the small package.

I'm kind of glad that these two are gone... I feel like they might be the weak links as far as the PR and marketing of the game is concerned. They are certainly passionate about the game... but in the way players should be, not so much in a developer way. I know that's ridiculous to say from just watching their videos and not actually working alongside them, but they really didn't do the PR of the game any favors I think. You need sales people doing these videos... not fanboys.
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blackone 9 years ago
That "mobile" thing decision is the badest decision since making SWG a theme park - that hit the company almost as hard as this now...
GG 9 years ago
Well guess we aren't going to see EQN launch.
Gurndulf 9 years ago
And so it begins,.the great shitstorm of our time.
Urs-00 9 years ago
I love when they said " It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation. In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games..."

I mean, yeah, when you get more resources you get rid of developers and community managers... because who need to make games or give support to people? What we need is someone making cash shop stuff '-'

Poor EQ Next is doomed, let's hope some other company take it out from this train wreck

it can be that they are actually shifting the development, renewing the staff so they can get new ideas and make an epic game... but come on, they are Investors that want to get to the mobile market

Another sad day for games, RIP SOE =(
Richard 9 years ago
that is sad. and i think it is a very stupid move. but whatever.
Sir Jaxxy 9 years ago
I just wonder how long it is before the entire EQ franchise is either sold off or shut down. I expected SOE to be gutted but didn't think it would start with the franchise that started and held SOE together. From the top down to boot. This is a sad day indeed.
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Nyobari 9 years ago
Wondering if the $100 Landmark Alpha kits actually backfired on Daybreak. Notice that we didn't get those in H1Z1. There's two, more affordable, levels. After that initial money spend, are people buying anything out of the Landmark cash shop? Also, how is Landmark not in Open Beta? They said they were going to stop working on it soon and push on EQ Next.
nexthazard 9 years ago
The only thing I'm sad about is that the people they let go might have had the next game changing idea as we all know that the market needs. They should look into France tho lots of development teams are starting up over there and what they are trying to bring it is nothing far from spectacular.
NDroid 9 years ago
Unfortunately it seems like the PS2 and H1Z1 teams were hit as well. At least 3 people who worked on PS2 confirmed that they were let go.
some random scottish guy 9 years ago
It seems like the Dayz team might try lend some of the h1z1 ex employee's a hand according to brian hicks twitter, I dont think this is the end of the line for all of them that got laid off.
prohero113 9 years ago
Look like they need to let people go to have enough for mobile games ~2 people i guess. Really hope all the people that got lay off find a place that they belong.

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