Vivendi Universal Makes US Staff Cutbacks

Vivendi Universal has faced up to its financial woes and cut 350 jobs from its North American offices. Two weeks ago, VU had detailed its plans for a "transitional year" in the form of a promising release schedule packed full of potential big-sellers. However, the company had some serious debt issues to address, and cutbacks were the most obvious way to rectify the cash crisis.

Whilst the likes of the new Crash Bandicoot game, Chronicles of Riddick and Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude might turn modest profits, reduced company spending should guarantee the security of the business without ambiguity. The redundancies have also been selective, meaning that Blizzard staff working on World of Warcraft have been largely unaffected. If WOW, perhaps the most enticing MMORPG on the cards (especially after Warhammer Online’s cancellation) is as good as hoped, then VU will have done well to keep the team together under its wing.

If all goes to plan, Vivendi’s books could be back in the black in the not too distant future.