Firaxis reduces pre-Civ V release staff by 20 

Firaxis has let go around 20 people including members of the quality assurance team, the user interface art team, animators, programmers and designers in the Civilization series.

"I can confirm that Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio," said 2K PR boss Markus Wilding.

"This will result in the elimination of approximately 20 positions. These reductions will not impact Firaxis’ ability to create and deliver AAA titles, including its forthcoming Sid Meier’s Civilization V and Sid Meier’s Civilization Network for Facebook."

Layoffs after a game ships are common, but just before a major title releases is not near as common. Studios closures? Sometimes.

Civ V is slated for release on September 21.

Via: Variety.