layoff

Link Roundup 10/5/2013

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And here’s what’s been up in the world . . .

Wondered where the Hastag came from?  Now you can find out.  Spoiler alert, a guy in SILICON VALLEY.

AliBaba just put a ton of money into app-search engine Quixey.  $50 million.  First, that’s an important move, so watch them further.  Second, that shows an interest in app discovery, which may make the market hotter (relevant or not). #WowALotOfMoney

Lockheed-Martin furloughed 3000 workers due to the US government shutdown.  I’m sure we’ll be posting more if this drags on, so keep watching the layoffs. #DamnThatsBad

There’s a new financial scandal on the horizon dealing with foreign market manipulation.  Yeah, just what we need now.  This is LIBOR-level and could be another blow to the world economy and trust, so . . . yeah this is a depressing roundup. #ReallyAgain

– #StevenSavage

 

 

Capcom Suffers Layoffs

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Get the details – except there aren’t many.

I’ve touched on this before, but I’ll re-iterate it – right now the games industry does not seem to be a good career choice unless you are very, very smart and careful.  Too much turnover, too much unpredictability, a weird console market, and fissures among game types and budgets.

So tread carefully (or do it yourself).

– Steven

 

Here Come The Sony Job Cuts

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Looks like 10,000 people are being cut.  You can get more details here at layoffwatch.

Takeaways

  • Issues with the Japanese economy and the TV market seem to be a big part of this.
  • This is not the first time Sony has done big layoffs – in fact they’ve done some with selloffs and consolidation recently.  I’d say this is more of a trend.
  • The cuts are, obviously, in the display area.  Half the cuts are unspecified – so get ready for politics.
  • Some execs are being asked to return their bonuses.  This may be an act to force contrition and look like accountability – which I buy.  So I think Sony has an image concern.
  • Considering Sony’s reach this could affect various Geekonomic-heavy cities/areas, so pay attention.

– Steven Savage