Midway has shut down its corporate offices in Chicago as the Warner Bros. acquisition nears completion. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune (via Gamasutra), all 60 staff members were let go, including CEO Matt Booty and other senior executives. This shuttering accounts for 20% of Midway's total staff, but doesn't include the Mortal Kombat studio also located out of Chicago. The studio based in Seattle is also said to be in tact and staying that way.
The news isn't as bright for some of Midway's other studios. The Newcastle studio is set to shut down and sell most of it's IP, and the San Diego studio may close down as well. The company is still seeking a buyer for San Diego's TNA franchise, as Warner Bros. didn't purchase it in the acquisition.
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175197
Gosh this sounds fimilar...what was his name, oh yes. Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari Corp. Atari was bought out by Warner Bros. in 1983, where they FIRED Nolan Bushnell because his method of business was deemed, "too old fashion."
History DOES repeat itself. I personally, should have seen this coming since it's happened before.
