It’s incredibly unfortunate news that, following the sale from Sony, and the name change from Sony Online Entertainment to Daybreak Game Company, the H1Z1 and PlanetSide 2 developer is now facing layoffs of its own at both its Austin and San Diego locations. Former employees, and the studio itself, confirmed the news today, which comes just a week after the aforementioned sale by Sony, and not too long after PlanetSide 2 broke a world record.

An estimation regarding the number of people affected is unknown, but PlanetSide 2 Creative Director Matthew Higby noted on Twitter that Daybreak would be losing a large number of talented people, among them being EverQuest Director of Development David Georgeson, who also discussed how he was affected by the layoffs via Twitter.

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Last week, the studio reassured those concerned by Sony’s sale by saying that things would basically proceed as per usual, and their newly available resources would help support development and any multi-platform plans in the works. In a statement released by Daybreak, however, the layoffs are stated to be part of “a strategic decision to rationalize the business.”

It’ll be rather hard to believe that games like H1Z1, which is currently in Steam Early Access, and PlanetSide 2, a game that went into closed beta on PS4 last month, won’t even be a little bit affected by the layoffs. The last thing either of these games needs are something that could negatively affect people’s opinions towards them.

“These reductions will not affect the operation of current games and the company will continue on its mission to partner with its player community to drive the future and push the boundaries of online gaming.”

More details are sure to come later in the week, but hopefully Daybreak’s former employees can find work elsewhere, including those that aren’t sure if they’re still part of the team or not. Alongside that, lets hope that Daybreak can make a decent recovery and still take advantage of its new independent position.

Sources: Polygon, David Georgeson on Twitter, Matthew Higby on Twitter