Discord, the widely-used messaging platform, has confirmed a workforce reduction affecting 17% of its employees, equating to approximately 170 individuals. According to a statement released on this week, the deicison is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to address challenges in its operations.
In an internal memo, Discord CEO Jason Citron expressed the necessity of the layoffs to address the company’s growth-related inefficiencies. ““This is a decision we did not take lightly, but it is one that we have conviction in to better serve our users, our business and our mission over the long term,” Citron stated.
The memo acknowledged Discord’s rapid growth, with the workforce expanding by five times since 2020. The reduction aims to align the company’s operations with its current needs and challenges, reflecting the broader trend in the tech industry.
Following previous layoffs of approximately 40 jobs in August 2023, Discord employed 870 individuals according to online data. The recent layoffs underscore the difficulties faced by the company and the broader tech sector amidst market contractions and economic uncertainties.
Earlier this week, streaming behemoth Twitch confirmed layoff plans which will impact over 500 staff members. The recent trend has also hit our shores, with beloved studio League of Geeks sadly letting go of 31 staff members late last year, including contract employees working on their most recent project Jumplight Odyssey.
Despite its impact on the tech industry, Discord, valued at around $15 billion during the 2021 tech boom, now faces somber reality. The announcement aligns with a broader trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
We wish everybody affected by this news all the best.
