<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>layoffs Articles &amp; Updates - cottenhamnews</title>
	<atom:link href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/tag/layoffs/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link></link>
	<description>All the News, One Place</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:48:33 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-GB</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cropped-cotten-fav-32x32.png</url>
	<title>layoffs Articles &amp; Updates - cottenhamnews</title>
	<link></link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Oracle Announces Major Layoffs Amid AI Investment Strategy</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/oracle-announces-major-layoffs-amid-ai-investment-strategy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:48:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oracle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stock market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/oracle-announces-major-layoffs-amid-ai-investment-strategy/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Oracle is cutting thousands of jobs globally as part of a broader organizational change, raising $50 billion for AI investments.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/oracle-announces-major-layoffs-amid-ai-investment-strategy/">Oracle Announces Major Layoffs Amid AI Investment Strategy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2></h2>
<p>Oracle is cutting thousands of jobs as part of a broader organizational change, impacting employees across various departments including Oracle Health, Sales, Cloud, Customer Success, and NetSuite. As of May 2025, Oracle employed 162,000 people, and this significant reduction comes amid a tumultuous year where the company&#8217;s stock price has plummeted by 25%.</p>
<p>The layoffs reflect mounting pressure on Oracle&#8217;s core business, which is facing market panic regarding competitive risks from generative artificial intelligence models. In response to these challenges, Oracle plans to raise $50 billion in debt and equity to bolster its AI investments.</p>
<p>According to an internal notification email, employees were informed, &#8220;After careful consideration of Oracle&#8217;s current business needs, we have made the decision to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change.&#8221; Another message stated, &#8220;Today is your last working day,&#8221; indicating the abrupt nature of these job cuts.</p>
<p>This move follows similar trends in the tech industry, where companies like Amazon have also announced significant layoffs, cutting about 16,000 corporate roles in January. Such decisions highlight the ongoing adjustments firms are making in response to evolving market conditions.</p>
<p>Oracle has been leaning heavily on the debt market to fund its AI infrastructure buildout, raising concerns among investors about its cash flow and the sustainability of its debt levels. The company&#8217;s strategic pivot towards AI comes as it seeks to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly crowded market.</p>
<p>Observers are closely monitoring Oracle&#8217;s next steps as it navigates these layoffs and its ambitious funding plans. The effectiveness of its strategy to integrate AI into its offerings remains to be seen, as does the potential impact on its workforce and overall market position.</p>
<p>Details remain unconfirmed regarding the total number of layoffs and the specific departments most affected. As Oracle continues to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape, its future direction will be critical for stakeholders.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/oracle-announces-major-layoffs-amid-ai-investment-strategy/">Oracle Announces Major Layoffs Amid AI Investment Strategy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rec Room to Shut Down Amid Profitability Struggles</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/rec-room-to-shut-down-amid-profitability-struggles/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:25:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Epic Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rec Room]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roblox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shutdown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social platform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[virtual reality]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/rec-room-to-shut-down-amid-profitability-struggles/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Rec Room, a social gaming platform, will cease operations on June 1, 2026, following significant profitability challenges.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/rec-room-to-shut-down-amid-profitability-struggles/">Rec Room to Shut Down Amid Profitability Struggles</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2></h2>
<p>Rec Room, a social gaming platform that allowed users to create games and experiences, was once a rising star in the gaming industry. With over <strong>150 million</strong> players and creators, it garnered significant attention and was valued at <strong>$3.5 billion</strong> at its peak. However, despite its popularity, the platform struggled to establish a sustainable business model.</p>
<p>As of June 1, 2026, Rec Room will officially shut down, marking a decisive moment for the platform. The decision was primarily driven by ongoing profitability issues, as the company admitted, &#8220;we never quite figured out how to make Rec Room a sustainably profitable business.&#8221; This admission highlights the challenges faced by many platforms in the competitive gaming landscape.</p>
<p>In August 2025, Rec Room laid off <strong>50%</strong> of its staff, a move that indicated the severity of its financial struggles. Despite these efforts, the company could not reverse its fortunes, leading to the announcement of its impending closure.</p>
<p>The shutdown of Rec Room has left a loyal user base disheartened. One fan expressed their sadness, stating, &#8220;Sad to see it go. Its how I survived most of covid and was a huge way to feel connected to IRL&#8217;s I couldn&#8217;t see due to it.&#8221; This sentiment underscores the emotional connection many users had with the platform.</p>
<p>Rec Room was often viewed as an alternative to Roblox, another popular gaming platform. However, while Roblox has continued to thrive, Rec Room&#8217;s inability to monetize effectively has led to its downfall. The contrast between these two platforms illustrates the varying paths that social gaming companies can take.</p>
<p>As the gaming industry evolves, the challenges faced by Rec Room serve as a cautionary tale for other platforms. The need for a sustainable business model is crucial, especially in a market where user engagement does not always translate to profitability.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, the closure of Rec Room raises questions about the future of similar platforms. Will they learn from Rec Room&#8217;s experience, or will they continue to face the same pitfalls? Only time will tell.</p>
<p>Details remain unconfirmed.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/rec-room-to-shut-down-amid-profitability-struggles/">Rec Room to Shut Down Amid Profitability Struggles</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battlefield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battlefield 6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Criterion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DICE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motive Studios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ripple Effect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video games]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs-2/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>EA has announced layoffs across its Battlefield teams, part of a strategic realignment, even as Battlefield 6 achieves record sales.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs-2/">EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What Do the EA Battlefield Layoffs Mean for the Franchise?</h2>
<p>The recent layoffs at Electronic Arts (EA) raise a critical question: what does this mean for the future of the Battlefield franchise? The answer is that while the layoffs indicate a shift in strategy, the franchise remains a priority for EA, which continues to invest in its development.</p>
<p>EA has laid off an unknown number of individuals from across its Battlefield teams as part of a &#8220;realignment&#8221; across the Battlefield studios. This decision has been confirmed by an EA spokesperson, who stated, &#8220;We&#8217;ve made select changes within our Battlefield organization to better align our teams around what matters most to our community.&#8221; Despite these layoffs, all four studios involved—Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive—will remain operational, suggesting that EA is not abandoning the franchise but rather restructuring it.</p>
<p>The timing of these layoffs is particularly noteworthy, coming just months after the death of Battlefield franchise head Vince Zampella. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the series, and his absence may have prompted EA to reassess its organizational structure. Additionally, the layoffs occur as EA prepares for a significant acquisition, expected to close in the first quarter of the 2027 financial year, with a valuation of approximately $55 billion. However, the layoffs are reportedly unrelated to this acquisition.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges, the Battlefield franchise has seen remarkable success with the release of Battlefield 6, which sold 7 million copies within the first three days, making it the best-selling game in the United States in 2025. At launch, the game received an 8/10 rating for its multiplayer experience, and it peaked at 747,440 concurrent players. However, recent Steam reviews have dipped to &#8216;Mixed&#8217; from &#8216;Mostly Positive&#8217;, and the most recent peak concurrent players have dropped to 67,000, indicating that the game&#8217;s initial momentum may be waning.</p>
<p>EA&#8217;s commitment to the Battlefield franchise is evident, as the spokesperson emphasized, &#8220;Battlefield remains one of our biggest priorities, and we’re continuing to invest in the franchise, guided by player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs.&#8221; This suggests that the company is actively seeking to address player concerns and improve the gaming experience, even amidst the restructuring.</p>
<p>Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of employees laid off and the specific roles impacted. This lack of transparency adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future direction of the Battlefield series and its development teams.</p>
<p>As EA navigates these changes, the focus will likely remain on enhancing the Battlefield experience and addressing the challenges that have emerged post-launch. The company&#8217;s ability to adapt and respond to player feedback will be crucial in maintaining the franchise&#8217;s relevance and success in the competitive gaming landscape.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs-2/">EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:09:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battlefield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Criterion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DICE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electronic Arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gaming news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motive Studios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ripple Effect]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>EA has announced layoffs across its Battlefield teams as part of a realignment strategy, raising questions about the future of the franchise.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs/">EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What Do the EA Battlefield Layoffs Mean for the Franchise?</h2>
<p>EA&#8217;s recent decision to implement layoffs across its Battlefield teams raises a critical question: what does this mean for the future of the Battlefield franchise? The answer is complex, as the layoffs are part of a broader strategy to realign the organization while maintaining operational capabilities across its various studios.</p>
<p>Reports indicate that EA has laid off an unknown number of individuals from its Battlefield teams, which include Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios. An EA spokesperson stated, &#8220;We&#8217;ve made select changes within our Battlefield organization to better align our teams around what matters most to our community.&#8221; This suggests that the company is looking to refine its focus and enhance its responsiveness to player feedback.</p>
<h2>Context and Recent Developments</h2>
<p>The layoffs come at a time when the Battlefield franchise is experiencing significant success. Battlefield 6, released in 2025, sold 7 million copies within its first three days, making it the best-selling game in the United States for that year. The game was well-received, earning an 8/10 rating for its multiplayer experience at launch. However, the game&#8217;s Steam reviews have since dropped to &#8216;Mixed&#8217; from &#8216;Mostly Positive&#8217;, indicating a shift in player sentiment.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the peak concurrent players for Battlefield 6 at launch reached 747,440, but this number has since dwindled to 67,000 in recent times. These figures highlight the challenges the franchise faces in maintaining player engagement, which may have contributed to the decision to restructure the teams.</p>
<h2>Implications of the Layoffs</h2>
<p>Despite the layoffs, EA has assured that all four studios involved will remain operational. This indicates that while the company is making adjustments, it is still committed to the Battlefield franchise. The spokesperson emphasized, &#8220;Battlefield remains one of our biggest priorities, and we’re continuing to invest in the franchise, guided by player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs.&#8221; This commitment to investment suggests that EA is looking to adapt and evolve the franchise in response to its community.</p>
<p>Interestingly, the layoffs occur just months after the death of Vince Zampella, the head of the Battlefield franchise, which may have influenced the company&#8217;s decision-making process. Additionally, EA is preparing for a significant acquisition valued at approximately $55 billion, expected to close in the first quarter of the 2027 financial year. However, EA has stated that the layoffs are reportedly unrelated to this acquisition.</p>
<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
<p>As EA navigates this period of transition, uncertainties remain. The exact number of employees laid off has not been disclosed, nor have the specific roles impacted by the layoffs been confirmed. This lack of clarity raises questions about the future direction of the Battlefield franchise and how it will adapt to the evolving gaming landscape.</p>
<p>In summary, while the EA Battlefield layoffs mark a significant shift within the organization, they also reflect a strategic realignment aimed at better serving the community. The success of Battlefield 6 demonstrates the franchise&#8217;s potential, but ongoing challenges will require careful management and innovation moving forward. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of the layoffs and their long-term impact on the franchise.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ea-battlefield-layoffs/">EA Battlefield Layoffs: A Shift in Strategy Amidst Franchise Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
