Discord Lays Off 170 Employees Amid Brutal Start to 2024
Discord joins Unity and Twitch in a wave of early 2024 tech and gaming layoffs by cutting 17% of its staff. The ongoing cuts highlight a grim trend that heavily impacts the industry just days into the new year.
Discord adds to the growing list of early 2024 tech layoffs by cutting 17% of its workforce, which equates to 170 employees. CEO Jason Citron explains in an internal memo that the company's staff has grown fivefold since 2020, a rapid expansion that ultimately makes the organization less efficient and requires a sharper focus.
This messaging platform joins other major gaming companies in a brutal start to the year. Game engine provider Unity recently lays off 1,800 workers, representing a 25% reduction, while streaming giant Twitch confirms cuts affecting over 500 employees. Beyond the gaming sector, Google also contributes to the alarming trend by eliminating hundreds of positions.
The human toll of these widespread layoffs puts a damper on an otherwise celebrated era of gaming quality. Industry estimates indicate that 6,000 to 7,000 game workers lose their jobs in 2023, and 2024 is unfortunately catching up to that devastating pace at an alarming rate.