Reliable industry sources tell GameSpot News that numerous uncorroborated reports about layoffs at LucasArts are correct. Those reports state that up to 50 employees--including senior staffers RJ Berg, Randy Breen, Mike Lampell, and Daron Stinnett--have been let go from the company's development and production departments. Another source with close ties to the company said additional staff reductions were likely in the coming weeks.

If true, the personnel cuts would mark the second major downsizing at LucasArts in the last 15 months. Last April, the San Rafael, California-based developer reduced its payroll by 29 positions. The company has seen changes at the top as well. Longtime president Simon Jeffery resigned last October, and he was replaced by LucasFilm vice president Jim Ward. The layoffs would also come a month after LucasArts reportedly withheld annual bonuses from its entire staff.

However, none of this is official--yet. When contacted by GameSpot, LucasArts representatives declined to comment on any personnel changes.