Fortnite Emote Mocks Layoffs Same Day Epic Announces 900 Employees Let Go

Fortnite's "Share The Wealth" emote went on sale the same day Epic Games announced layoffs of nearly 900 employees.
The emote was quickly taken down after backlash, with Epic calling its availability a "mistake."
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company had been "spending way more money than we earn" to justify layoffs.
Critics questioned why employees were laid off before leadership took pay cuts or other cost-cutting measures.
The news renewed criticism of Epic's spending on things like acquisitions and Epic Games Store despite ongoing layoffs.

kotaku.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/19/2023

Epic Games to Pay $245 Million in FTC Settlement for Unwanted Fortnite Purchases

The Federal Trade Commission is notifying consumers who may be eligible for compensation in a settlement with Epic Games over deceptive practices in Fortnite, with $245 million being used for refunds; consumers have until January 17, 2024 to submit a claim.

9/28/2023

Epic Games Lays Off Hundreds as It Cuts Costs, Fights Apple Lawsuit

Epic Games is laying off 16% of its employees and divesting Bandcamp and SuperAwesome, citing financial sustainability and a transition to becoming a leading metaverse company as reasons for the layoffs.

10/6/2023

Epic Games CEO reveals financial struggles led to recent layoffs after relying too heavily on Fortnite revenue

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney admitted that the company's recent layoffs were a necessary survival move to stabilize their finances amid financial difficulties and ongoing legal battles, with the company heavily relying on Fortnite's revenue.

10/6/2023

Epic Games Lays Off 830 Employees, Closes Bellevue Studio Amid Fortnite Revenue Changes

Epic Games, the game studio behind Fortnite, will be laying off around 16% of its workforce, which amounts to approximately 830 employees, due to financial challenges caused by changes in revenue sources.

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Posted 9/29/2023, 7:40:00 PM

Fortnite Emote Mocks Layoffs Same Day Epic Announces 900 Employees Let Go

Fortnite's "Share The Wealth" emote went on sale the same day Epic Games announced layoffs of nearly 900 employees.
The emote was quickly taken down after backlash, with Epic calling its availability a "mistake."
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company had been "spending way more money than we earn" to justify layoffs.
Critics questioned why employees were laid off before leadership took pay cuts or other cost-cutting measures.
The news renewed criticism of Epic's spending on things like acquisitions and Epic Games Store despite ongoing layoffs.

kotaku.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/19/2023

Epic Games to Pay $245 Million in FTC Settlement for Unwanted Fortnite Purchases

9/28/2023

Epic Games Lays Off Hundreds as It Cuts Costs, Fights Apple Lawsuit

10/6/2023

Epic Games CEO reveals financial struggles led to recent layoffs after relying too heavily on Fortnite revenue

10/6/2023

Epic Games Lays Off 830 Employees, Closes Bellevue Studio Amid Fortnite Revenue Changes