Afrigather Almost half of Bandcamp’s workers has been laid off, based on Kotaku reporter Ethan Gach. The reductions come within the aftermath of mum or dad firm Epic Games’ layoffs on the finish of September, and forward of Bandcamp being offered to music firm Songtradr.
Per LinkedIn, the favored music distribution platform employed 210 staff, which means these reductions now depart it with round 110 staff (give or take) that may survive the transition. Social media posts point out the corporate’s editorial workforce was hit the toughest by the reductions.
“So pissed off and saddened by the layoffs at Bandcamp,” wrote author Leor Galil. “The editorial work the location printed did rather a lot to doc impartial music as information retailers across the nation have let their arts and tradition protection crumble by way of cuts and attrition.”
“Almost eight years at Bandcamp and it’s over,” continued editor JJ Skolnik. “About half the corporate was laid off at the moment. a few of the most unimaginable individuals i’ve ever labored with. […] It is a loss, no two methods about it.”
Epic first acquired Bandcamp in early 2022, presumably to assist Rock Band creator Harmonix (which Epic bought simply months prior) synergize gross sales with no matter metaverse live shows had been within the works for Fortnite. Extra lately, workers at Bandcamp unionized again in Might, although it wasn’t with out its alleged strife on Epic’s finish.
After the current layoffs at Epic, the Bandcamp Union wrote that it might demand recognition from Songtradr. As of October 12, it obtained over 10,000 signatures from supporters demanding that Songtradr to acknowledge its labor group.
Recreation Developer has reached out to Epic Video games and can replace this story when a response is given.
Replace: A spokesperson for Epic Video games clarified to Recreation Developer that the Bandcamp layoffs aren’t new, however a part of Epic’s beforehand introduced reductions.
In a press release, Epic defined that Songtradr prolonged provides to Bandcamp workers “in waves” all through the approaching weeks.
Relating to Bandcamp’s union, Epic stated the events have began negotiating severance phrases “in good religion.” Non-union workers which can be a part of Epic’s layoffs will get severance equal to what’s being provided to different Epic workers affected by the cutbacks.
formally laid off, after two weeks of limbo the place i anticipated that might be the case however had no affirmation. almost eight years at bandcamp and it’s over. if anybody is on the lookout for a devoted, gifted, {and professional} editor and tradition author, i’m in the marketplace
— jj skolnik (@modernistwitch) October 16, 2023
