SOE Fires People, Stifles Discussion

From the SOE EQ forum:

Today we announced a reduction in our workforce at SOE. As a company, our goal is to focus on our core expertise of MMO games and as part of these efforts, we had to make the difficult decision to eliminate positions to help reduce costs, streamline our employee base and strategically align resources towards our current portfolio of games and upcoming slate of MMOs, including EverQuest Next Landmark and EverQuest Next. We deeply value our employees and are grateful for all they’ve contributed to our company and games. They will be missed by colleagues and friends, and we wish them well in the future.

Out of respect for our employees, we request that you do not discuss personnel matters on our forums. Thank you for your understanding.

What does it mean? Who knows, we are not allowed to ask.

I can understand not wanting 500 forum posts of rumors flying asking who was laid off and what it means for the future of EQ, but we are left with nothing but questions.

How will it affect EQ?   We don't know.  Only SOE knows and they aren't talking.  But it sure doesn't look good.