Alleged Round of Layoffs within LittleBigPlanet's Studio, Media Molecule

Media Molecule, the PlayStation game development studio known for titles such as LittleBigPlanet and Dreams, is reportedly undergoing a round of layoffs. An internal company meeting earlier today announced that approximately 15 to 20 percent of its 135 employees are set to be let go.

Earlier this year, Media Molecule ended support for their game Dreams to focus more resources on a new project. It remains unclear if these apparent layoffs are related to the discontinuation of Dreams support — the game is still playable, but no more updates will be released.

The news comes on the heels of similar reports of layoffs at other Sony Studios like Sony San Diego Studio and Visual Arts. Sony, has yet to officially address these claims.

This flurry of layoffs adds to an apparent trend within the gaming industry this year. Several major companies—including Naughty Dog, Team17, and the team behind Hearthstone, Epic Games, CD Projekt Red, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Bioware, Telltale, and Crystal Dynamics—have held significant rounds of layoffs.

In addition to staff reductions, high-ranking individuals are also stepping down from their roles. This year, Jim Ryan announced his departure from Sony PlayStation, Pete Hines is leaving Bethesda, and John Riccitiello is stepping down from Unity.