LucasArts confirms big layoffs

[RSS]

Official word has now hit after months of rumors that LucasArts is planning layoffs. A representative from the game maker has confirmed that 75 to 100 employees are being let go of.

"The layoffs were appropriate to where we are at in various project's lifecycles," said the spokesperson. LucasArts has just published Lego Indiana Jones (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC,  PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, DS) from Traveller's Tales , which could account for this statement.

It was clarified, however, that none of the layoffs will be coming from the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, DS) and Fracture (PS3, Xbox 360). The two are the biggest projects that the company intends to wrap up this season.

Asked if the move is a precedent to LucasArts doing its business via outsourcing third-party developers, the rep gave a quick denial: "We're committed to our internal studio and to continue working with external partners."

LucasArts has recently had a shake-up even in its higher ranks with big bosses like ex-president Jim Ward and vice president of product development Peter Hirschmann leaving the fold in the past few months.