IMagic Makes Cuts

You might have seen it coming. A tough third quarter, the acquisition of online gaming company MPG-Net, and the stack of prying eyes that come with going public. Well, push came to shove in North Carolina Monday as Interactive Magic took steps to rein in the bottom line. The company laid off close to twenty staffers including noted game designer S. Craig Taylor. Many of those let go are said to already be in discussions with companies including South Peak and Talonsoft.

"The company has a bright future, but today it had to make some tough decisions," a source close to today's developments said.

It appeared that today's decision was all about budget - and a new focus of the company. With last week's acquisition of Florida-based MPG-Net, IMagic picks up more than a dozen online games. With Warbirds and Dawn of Aces two strong IMagic titles with strong online components, it seems that internal development of games at Interactive Magic will likely slow.

The company says it will issue an official statement Tuesday.