Slant Six hit with 'temporary layoffs'

The Vancouver-based developer of three SOCOM: US Navy SEALs games has suffered some casualties. Slant Six managing director Brian Thalken confirmed for GameSpot that the developer instituted a round of "temporary layoffs" yesterday. Thalken did not say how many employees were affected.

In explaining the need for the layoffs, Thalken said, "Our current project needs do not align with our current staffing levels." Apparently reluctant to leave a man (or woman) behind, he added the studio will bring back "as many of these staff members as possible" once the workflow accelerates on its next projects. In the meantime, Slant Six will continue providing extended benefits to those who were temporarily laid off.

Formed in 2005, Slant Six has created three games to date, all of them in the SOCOM universe. In addition to the series' PlayStation 3 debut, Confrontation, Slant Six also made two PSP installments: 2007's Tactical Strike and Fireteam Bravo 3, released in February. The company's current projects are unannounced.

For more on the developer's latest work, check out GameSpot's review of SOCOM: US Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo 3.