Paragon Studios ‘optimizes the refocus,’ lays off some staff

7 10 2010

Ugh, that’s sad. MMORPG.com reports that City of Heroes/Villains developer Paragon Studios lost nine staffers to layoffs today. Popular developer Christopher Bruce, a.k.a. “Back Alley Brawler,” was reportedly one of the nine.

According to a corpspeak-riddled statement NCSoft sent to MMORPG.com:

“In an effort to put a greater focus on the City of Heroes franchise, Paragon Studios is shifting resources within the studio. In order to optimize the refocus, there has been a reduction in force that has impacted a small amount of people. Paragon Studios is an integral part of the NCsoft West family and will continue to prosper, delivering the world’s most popular superpowered hero MMO game, City of Heroes, to fans around the world.”

The layoffs come almost two months after the release of the latest expansion, “Going Rogue.”

In response to a forum-goer who asked “should I be scurred?” community rep theOcho said: “Paragon Studios is still profoundly committed to City of Heroes and is proud of both the game we have created and the community who plays it. We’re here for the long run, no need to be scurred.”