Ex-Epic Employee Launches Job Directory for 1,000 Laid-Off Workers

A former Epic Games employee has launched a public directory to help colleagues affected by the company’s recent layoffs. The platform is designed to connect more than 1K displaced workers with new opportunities across the games industry. The platform, titled Awesome People List, was created by former Epic Games senior program manager for UEFN Accelerators, Lee Graham, after he was included in the cuts.

The site allows hiring managers to browse candidates across production, engineering, community management, design, and security roles.

The initiative began as a Google Form listing displaced workers before evolving into a standalone recruiter-facing website. The directory describes itself as a place to “discover ex-Epic Games laid off people looking for their next great opportunity.” It also encourages companies to “search the directory” to find candidates.

Graham positioned the project as a support effort for affected staff, urging colleagues to stay optimistic after the layoffs.

“For those no longer on Fortnite Island and affected by today's Epic Games layoffs (yes, I was laid off as well), don't let this get you down,” he wrote. He also added that they have a bright future ahead and should look for new opportunities.

Fortnite Slowdown and Restructuring Follow Epic Layoffs

The cuts were part of a cost reduction plan tied to declining Fortnite engagement that began in 2025. Epic Games founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney, said the company had been “spending significantly more” than it generated, prompting a restructuring amid slower growth and rising costs. He added that the layoffs were not performance-based and emphasized the quality of affected employees.

The initiative arrives during a prolonged wave of industry layoffs. More than 10.5K game industry jobs were cut in 2023, followed by roughly 14.6K layoffs in 2024 amid post-pandemic contraction and studio consolidation. Estimates suggest around 9,053 additional roles were eliminated in 2025, even as the pace slowed.

Major reductions across companies such as Microsoft, Sony, Electronic Arts, Unity, and Ubisoft have intensified competition for experienced developers seeking new roles.