Discord Announces Significant Layoffs, Affecting 17% of Staff
In a notable development within the gaming industry, Discord, the popular gaming-focused social platform, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce. According to a report by The Verge, which was later confirmed by IGN, the company is laying off 17% of its staff, impacting approximately 170 employees.
The news was conveyed to Discord employees through a companywide meeting and an internal memo from CEO Jason Citron. Citron stated that these layoffs are part of an effort to “sharpen our focus and improve the way we work together to bring more agility to our organization.”
Citron’s memo emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary for the company's long-term goals. The layoffs are partly attributed to the company's rapid growth, which has increased fivefold since 2020. This expansion led to more projects and a decrease in operational efficiency.
Discord is providing substantial support to the affected employees, including five months of salary, additional pay for each year of service, continuation of benefits for five months, access to Modern Health services through 2024, and other assistance.
These layoffs at Discord add to a series of similar actions in the gaming industry. Twitch recently announced layoffs affecting 500 employees, and Unity disclosed cuts impacting about 25% of its staff. This trend reflects the challenges and restructuring efforts faced by the gaming and tech industries as they navigate a dynamic economic landscape.
Source: The Verge