Many developers are on contract rather than in fulltime employment due to the nature of development: that's a fact. However, it appears that even making hits is no guarantee of those contracts lasting to their ends. Back in 2008, EA Games president Frank Gibeau told the world, "Spore is a hit. Will Wright's latest delivers an incredibly diverse game that appeals to casual gamers and the core alike."

Now in 2009, EA has this to say about the team that made that hit.

"Often in the videogame industry, the size of a studio fluctuates in response to business conditions.

"In this case, EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis. EA remains fully committed to Spore and other IP within Maxis, with games planned for launch in the next few months, including Spore Hero, coming to the Wii for the first time, and Spore Hero Arena on the DS.

"All eligible employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance."

In equally depressing news, in an environment wherein management appears bulletproof to any fluctuations, Shacknews reports 56 layoffs at Wolfenstein and X-Men Origins: Wolverine studio, Raven.

Comment from Raven, "With the recent completion of both Wolverine, based on the summer blockbuster movie, and Wolfenstein, the next chapter of the famed franchise, Raven Software is slightly reducing its workforce to better reflect the studio's upcoming slate."