tech
CEO of Epic Games apologizes after laying off employee with terminal brain cancer
Tim Sweeney, chief of firm that created Fortnite, received backlash after worker’s wife revealed loss of life insurance
TL;DR
- Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney apologized after a recent mass layoff impacted an employee with terminal brain cancer.
- The employee's wife revealed on social media that the layoff meant her husband lost his life insurance, and his condition is now considered pre-existing, preventing new coverage.
- Sweeney stated that Epic Games is in contact with the family and will ensure they receive insurance coverage.
- The layoffs were attributed to a downturn in Fortnite engagement, leading to the company spending more than it was making.
- Affected employees were to receive severance packages, extended paid healthcare coverage, and accelerated stock options.