Key Force Unleashed talent laid off

Layoffs came once work on the game was wrapping up.

Joystiq is reporting that LucasArts has laid off key personnel from the Star Wars: Force Unleashed development team as part of its company-wide downsizing.

According to an ex-member of the team who spoke to Joystiq, the layoffs came once work on the title was wrapping up. The source is one of several long-time members of LucasArts said to have been laid off and includes those who have previously worked on titles such as X-Wing, Full Throttle and Grim Fandango.

If Star Wars: The Force Unleashed proves a success and LucasArts decide to green light a sequel the current development team is said to be insufficient in size to handle such a project.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is scheduled for release across Europe on September 19.