As part of a restructuring plan at Sony Liverpool, the studio responsible for the PlayStation-centric WipEout series, it has been confirmed that several projects are in the process of being axed due to “project prioritisation.” However, rumor has it that this plan will extend past the mere scrapping of projects, possibly resulting in a headcount reduction and a rather significant one at that.

A source close to Develop who was reportedly affected by the ongoing cuts says that as much as half of Liverpool’s workforce may be forced to part ways, bleakly noting that Sony’s restructuring initiative was “looking heavy.” Not encouraging to say the least.

Sony has yet to comment on the supposed layoffs at Liverpool. Always a shame to see this happen, especially to such a prestigious studio responsible for countless hits.

Read more: WipEout Confirmed for PS3, Rumor: LittleBigPlanet Coming To PSP, Rumor: Sony To Close Factories, “Major Divisions”, Gallery: Wipeout Pulse, Eidos Parent SCi To Axe 14 Projects, Cut 25 Percent Of Workforce