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Some of the contractors are let go, while others are transferred to full-time positions
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According to the latest reports, Nintendo of America has recently undergone a restructuring that has impacted its game and hardware testing contractors, as reported by employees to Kotaku and later confirmed by the company itself.
The restructuring involved layoffs for some contractors while others were transitioned to new positions. The exact number of employees affected by the restructuring remains undisclosed, though those who were laid off will receive compensation.
Speaking with Kotaku, some employees within Nintendo of America's testing division have noted a recent "lull" within the company, mentioning a lack of major upcoming games from internal studios and the uncertainty surrounding the progress of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.
"For all assignments that are ending, the contractors' agencies, with NOA's support, will offer severance packages and provide assistance during their transition," stated Nintendo to Kotaku.
"For those contractor associates who will be leaving us, we are tremendously grateful for the important contributions they've made to our business, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their hard work and service to Nintendo."
Some interviewed employees expressed reservations about the company's ability to successfully test large-scale games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom post-restructuring, which was particularly praised for its bug-free and efficiently optimized gameplay.
This development represents the first round of layoffs for employees working directly with Nintendo amidst broader industry layoffs. Kotaku highlighted that the restructuring is not expected to impact any full-time employees of the company.
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