Cary-based Epic Games to cut 1,000 jobs, seek $500 million in savings as Fortnite slows

March 25, 2026 - 00:26

In a significant restructuring move, Epic Games, the Cary-based creator of the global phenomenon Fortnite, has announced it will lay off approximately 1,000 employees. The company is concurrently seeking to identify over $500 million in additional cost savings. This decisive action is attributed to a sustained downturn in user engagement and spending within its flagship title.

Leadership cited that Fortnite’s growth has stagnated, revealing that the company has been spending far more money than it earns. The current financial trajectory was deemed unsustainable, necessitating the profound restructuring to stabilize the business. The layoffs, affecting roughly 16% of its workforce, are intended to create a leaner, more efficient organization.

The cuts span teams across the entire company. While Fortnite remains a core focus, development on other initiatives and published titles will also be impacted. The company emphasized that these steps, while difficult, are crucial for its long-term vision. The gaming industry at large has faced similar challenges in recent months, with several other major studios also implementing workforce reductions amid a shifting market landscape.