Funcom Layoffs, The Secret World Delayed

GameSpot is reporting that Funcom has let 20% of its Norwegian workforce go, forcing the company to delay the release of their next MMORPG, The Secret World, by several months.  Word is:

Funcom said today that it would be cutting headcount through layoffs and forced leave at its Norwegian development house by approximately 20 percent. According to a statement issued by the developer, the move comes as part of an effort “to better align the company’s operations to the current marketplace.” Funcom currently employs some 320 employees globally, maintaining offices in the US, China, and Switzerland.

Along with cuts to its workforce, Funcom said that it has pushed back the launch of its newest MMOG, The Secret World, by “some months.” Announced for the Xbox 360 and PC in 2007, The Secret World posits an alternate universe in which a modern-day world has been torn asunder by the reemergence of magic and other occult activity. No release window had previously been attached to The Secret World.