Daybreak Confirms Layoffs; Denies Affiliation With US-Sanctioned Columbus Nova

Daybreak Game Company has been hit hard with a round of layoffs affecting around 70 employees. Speculations later arose that the layoffs were due to the US Department of Treasury freezing assets of Russian oligarchs. Among those affected by the sanctions were Russian conglomerate Renova Group and its subsidiary Columbus Nova, which, just so happens to be the parent company of Daybreak. Daybreak confirmed that the layoffs were true in a statement earlier today.

“Daybreak confirms we are realigning our workforce to better position our company for the future. Because of this, we have had to make an extremely difficult decision to part ways with some of our employees across various disciplines at the studio. We are doing everything we can to take care of each affected individual by providing them appropriate transition assistance.”

The San Diego-based company, however, vehemently denied any affiliation with Columbus Nova in a statement to Massively OP.

“Daybreak Game Company has no affiliation with Columbus Nova. Jason Epstein, former member of Columbus Nova, is and has always been the primary owner and executive chairman of Daybreak Game Company (formerly Sony Online Entertainment) which he acquired from Sony in February 2015.”

According to the Daybreak spokesperson, the original press statements that the company released in 2015 about their acquisition by Columbus Nova was in fact an error and that they’re trying to correct that now.

“It was current executive chairman Jason Epstein, former senior managing partner of Columbus Nova that acquired Daybreak, not Columbus Nova itself,” the spokesperson told MOP.” That distinction was never corrected in the past, so we are correcting that now. Daybreak then proceeded to delete the official 2015 press release and announcement from their website. But, as we all know, nothing can ever be truly deleted on the internet and multiple copies still exist on the internet. You’ll find our piece on the 2015 acquisition here.

According to MMORPG.com, there’s also talk about Intrepid Studios and a number of other “suitors” possibly acquiring Daybreak. Intrepid Studio CEO and Creative Director Steven Sharif refuses to comment on the topic. Here is his official statement:

“It has long been my personal policy not to comment on rumors. Even if we were in talks with Daybreak for an acquisition, we would not be able to comment. Additionally, I saw the news of recent layoffs at Daybreak today and would like to extend my condolences to those affected. Daybreak (SOE) has an incredible history of creating some of the most cherished franchises that are near and dear to our hearts, and the people laid off today are some of the most talented developers in the industry. Intrepid Studios wishes them the best in their future ventures and I know they will go on to accomplish great things.”

We’ll keep you in the loop as more information comes to light.

MMOs.com, along with the rest of the gaming community, also extend our sympathies and condolences to all the affected Daybreak employees. Our hearts go out to you and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.