Layoffs have hit Take-Two developer, Visual Concepts, and we are told they have slashed staff by 30 in a move that Take-Two employees are being told is a decision that is necessary to align resources for better efficiency. Instead, however, whispers that we are hearing claim that the decision to not release a NHL title this year on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms combined with the fact that latest NBA title is almost completed has made the cuts easier for the studio to make.

Take-Two has been going through a series of cost reduction moves throughout its studios that has resulted in a number of jobs being lost. While the publisher continues to stress that the moves are necessary to better align the studio with the needs of the business along with reacting to the recent economic downturn.

Recently, Take-Two has let staff go from Firaxis, which lost 20 employees. Rockstar San Diego, who despite the success of Red Dead Redemption, lost 40 employees, and now 30 employees have been kicked to the curb at Visual Concepts. Sources insist that the cuts are not likely over and they expect other Take-Two studios to lose staff, as well. We are told to expect to see additional cuts in the coming months.