The Last of Us Part 1 visual arts assistant studio appears to be affected by layoffs

In another hit for the industry, it looks like this PlayStation Support Studio Fine arts is also affected by layoffs.

Several developers at PlayStation’s Visual Arts Studio appear to have been fired, VGC has discovered. The developer’s lead designer, Daniel Bellemare, wrote in a LinkedIn post: “After a wave of layoffs last week, it was unfortunately my last at Playstation. While this is certainly not news I was hoping for, I am grateful that I had a chance to work on incredible projects with extremely talented colleagues, and I leave with fond memories of my time there.”

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In addition to Bellemare, senior technical recruiter Matt Barney also shared news of his own firing on LinkedIn, writing: “Goodbye PlayStation, that was real! Over the last few months, I knew this wave of layoffs was coming. I love PlayStation and always will… I.” So I stayed when I had the chance to leave, so that’s obvious!” Others, like rigging artist Sean Teo, also revealed that their time at PlayStation Visual Arts was over, although in Teo’s case it was noted that her contract was expiring. It is unclear whether this is due to the early termination of the contract or whether it is just a coincidence. VGC also noted that other developers had shared on social media that their contracts had also ended, but again, it is unclear whether or not they are involved in layoffs.

You may have never heard of Visual Arts, but you’re probably familiar with its work, as the studio was originally behind the remake of The Last of Us before switching to a supporting role and Naughty Dog taking over as lead developer. It was also announced last year that Visual Arts, along with a new internal Sony studio, would be joining Naughty Dog on a title based on a “beloved franchise,” although there’s no word yet on what game that would be.