Developer of the Ghost Recon series, Red Storm Entertainment, has been hit with cuts in what is being spun a “realignment of production priorities” by owner Ubisoft. The employees of the developer, located in North Carolina and currently working on Ghost Recon Future Soldier, were apparently surprised by the move.

According to the whispers that we hear, a number of long-time employees have been whispering about the possibility of layoffs for sometime, but they were still surprised when the news was announced. The layoffs will affect 38 employees, according to what we have been able to learn. The decision will have no affect on the release of Ghost Recon Future Soldier, according to our understanding, and it is still on track for release next year, although a specific release date has yet to be announced.

The spin as to the drivers behind the decision seem to center around a plan said to allow the studio to better focus on the development of multiplayer experiences, according to a statement released by Ubisoft. Apparently, those affected by the layoff will be able to pursue openings at other studios within the Ubisoft family.