Epic games sacks 1,000 amid fortnite cuts, leaving devs reeling

Less than a week into the new year, gaming giant Epic Games has sent shockwaves through the industry with a brutal round of layoffs. The studio behind Fortnite has axe 1,000 workers, shuttering several modes of its behemoth battle royale title. The decision has left developers reeling, with some high-profile departures and a general air of uncertainty at Epic HQ.

Key creators cut loose

Nik Blahunka, a key writer who helped shape Fortnite's narrative, Vitaliy Naymushin, the director of art and creator of iconic characters like Jonesy, and Evan Kinney, principal engineer, are just a few of the confirmed departures. These aren't fresh-faced newcomers, but veteran directors who've spent over a decade at Epic.

Kinney's parting words, published on social media, capture the tone of bewilderment: