On the back of the news that Wolfenstein developer Raven Software has been hit with a round of layoffs, it’s also been revealed that The Sims and Spore developer, and internal studio at EA, Maxis, has also been forced to reduce its staff in order to respond to “business conditions,” says a statement from EA.

The exact number of staff affected by the cut is unknown, but internet rumblings post the figure in the dozens, as opposed to lesser measurements. The full statement from EA regarding the Maxis layoffs reads:

“Often in the video game industry, the size of a studio fluctuates in response to business conditions. In this case, EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis.

“EA remains fully committed to Spore and other IP within Maxis,” continues the statement, “with games planned for launch in the next 3 months, including Spore Hero, coming to the Wii for the first time, and Spore Hero Arena on the DS. All eligible employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance.”

Maxis began as a studio co-founded by industry legend Will Wright, who went on to design and develop a huge range of ‘Sim’ games, from SimCity and SimCopter, to SimAnt and SimEarth, and, more recently, The Sims 1 and Spore.

Will Wright left the company earlier this year to pursue his work at ‘idea think-tank,’ The Stupid Fun Club.