VRChat увольняет 30% компании, ссылаясь на растущие трудности после бума платформ COVID

Похоже, этот текст представляет собой общекорпоративное объявление соучредителей VRChat, социальной платформы виртуальной реальности, о сокращении команды в связи с потребностями бизнеса и сосредоточении внимания на эффективности капитала. Они объясняют, что определили, какие критически важные навыки и знания соответствуют их будущим бизнес-потребностям, и что эти решения не отражают качество работы членов команды. Компания планирует предоставить выходное пособие, медицинское страхование, передачу опционов на акции, поддержку в карьере и специальные льготы для VRChat для уходящих членов команды. Тех, кто останется, просят терпения и поддержки во время этого перехода. Они также упоминают о своих планах извлечь уроки из этого опыта, более осознанно нанимать сотрудников, сосредоточиться на росте доходов и поддерживать четкий путь к прибыльности. Сооснователи выражают благодарность и добрые пожелания уходящим членам команды, подтверждая свою приверженность миссии VRChat.

Как заядлый поклонник VRChat, я хочу поделиться с вами некоторыми захватывающими, но разочаровывающими новостями. Недавно эта новаторская социальная платформа виртуальной реальности объявила об увольнении примерно 30% членов своей команды. В качестве причин были названы более медленные, чем ожидалось, темпы роста, чрезмерный набор сотрудников во время бума платформы в 2021 году, а также необходимость более быстрого принятия более традиционной корпоративной структуры.

В подробной внутренней записке, которая была широко распространена по всей организации, компания объяснила причины недавних увольнений и опубликовала это объявление на своем официальном сайте. Полный текст письма представлен ниже в нашей статье.

По словам Грэма Гейлора, генерального директора VRChat, мы сокращаем нашу команду примерно на 30%. Несмотря на большие надежды на долгосрочное процветание VRChat и планы по расширению в течение следующих двух и пяти лет, нынешний размер команды считается неприемлемым для благополучия и роста нашего бизнеса.

По словам Гейлора, замедлению прогресса социального VR-приложения после его успешного 2021 года способствовало несколько важных причин. Этот спад произошел, несмотря на то, что рынок виртуальной реальности (VR) продолжал расширяться умеренными темпами в течение того же периода.

Согласно информации SteamDB, база пользователей Steam стабильно росла за последние несколько лет. Эта тенденция может указывать на то, что студия VRChat росла слишком быстро в 2021 и 2022 годах, что привело к переизбытку персонала по сравнению с рыночным спросом. Хотя данные Steam не дают полной картины, поскольку платформа доступна на устройствах Quest с 2019 года, они позволяют предположить, что популярность VRChat не снижается, а скорее растет более медленными темпами, чем первоначально предполагалось.

Во время бума, вызванного пандемией COVID-19 в 2021 году, Гейлор признал, что компания наняла слишком много сотрудников, что привело к привлечению большого количества индивидуальных участников (IC) в период с 2021 по 2022 год. Он отметил, что значительная часть компании состоит из IC.

«Гейлор признает, что наш рост в 2021 году не был устойчивым, вместо этого мы испытали спад по сравнению с предыдущим годом. Из-за меньшей базы пользователей, но разросшейся команды, размер нашей организации и расходы стали непропорциональны нашим доходам и разработке продуктов».

Как преданный наблюдатель пути этой динамичной компании, я считаю, что одним из важных аспектов, которые способствовали возникновению некоторых проблем, была задержка с внедрением традиционной корпоративной структуры. До середины 2023 года эту организацию гордо называли «плоской организацией», что означает отсутствие уровня управления продуктами и людьми. Эта структура хорошо работала для мобилизации отдельных участников (IC) в гибкой среде. Однако по мере роста и развития компании необходимость эффективного управления и масштабирования ее деятельности становилась все более очевидной. Следовательно, позднее принятие более традиционной корпоративной структуры было необходимо для оптимизации коммуникации, координации и общей эффективности.

«Гейлор признает, что для того, чтобы VRChat полностью раскрыл свой потенциал, потребуется больше времени и финансовой передышки. Наладив управление, они получили ясность относительно необходимости достижения успеха в ближайшие пять лет. В настоящее время у них есть достаточные резервы денежных средств, но для реализации своих Чтобы свести к минимуму зависимость от инвестиций на внешнем рынке и сохранить контроль над будущим VRChat, им может быть сложно обеспечить дополнительное финансирование без значительного улучшения производительности. фокусируется на максимизации эффективности с использованием имеющихся ресурсов».

В качестве компенсации студия выплачивает выходное пособие своим бывшим сотрудникам. Сюда входит заработная плата за 12 недель в качестве отправной точки, а также дополнительные две недели за каждый год работы сверх трех лет и дополнительные три недели для тех, кто проработал более пяти лет. Кроме того, студия покроет расходы на здравоохранение на срок до шести месяцев для лиц, имеющих на это право. Кроме того, компания упрощает процесс, позволяющий пострадавшим сотрудникам полностью владеть и обналичивать свои опционы на акции.

Еще в 2014 году я открыл для себя удивительную игру виртуальной реальности под названием VRChat. Лишь в 2018 году он приобрел огромную популярность, что привело к ошеломляющему 17-кратному увеличению числа пользователей за один месяц. На пике своего развития более 20 000 геймеров одновременно изучали игру и взаимодействовали с ней в Steam. Что отличает VRChat, так это его инклюзивность: он обслуживает как пользователей виртуальной реальности (VR), так и пользователей плоских экранов, что делает его доступным на различных платформах, таких как ПК, Quest, Android и iOS (в настоящее время все еще находится в закрытой бета-версии).

Исходное письмо приведено ниже:

Subject: Crucial Company Update from Graham Gaylor, CEO — June 2024 (Applies to All VRChat Team Members’ Personal and Corporate Inboxes)

Hi everyone,

Today, I regret to inform you that we are undergoing a significant team reduction, approximately 30%. Unfortunately, this means parting ways with several skilled colleagues who have contributed greatly to VRChat. This is a challenging decision that Jesse and I bear full responsibility for.

It’s our duty to preserve and expand the virtual world we’ve built in VRChat, a place where countless individuals have formed friendships, found comfort, and experienced joy. While it may be challenging, making this choice allows us to fulfill our obligations for an extended period.

As a fellow gamer, I believe it’s important that everyone is on the same page regarding our current situation and how we arrived at this point. To help clarify things, I’d like to share some background information and give you a sense of what lies ahead.

Over the past decade, I’ve been part of a team that created a beloved product used by millions. We were among the earliest hits on SteamVR and Oculus stores, riding the wave of the VR market’s expansion. However, when the VR market hit a plateau in 2022, so did our growth. In response, we established a product organization this year to pinpoint, prioritize, and execute on what would keep us thriving amidst shifting market conditions. The early results are encouraging.

We have strong new product leadership

We have a clear mission to bring the magic of immersive social connection to billions of people

We have a clear two and five-year plan to get us to rocket-ship levels of success

We’re building strong management support for our team and product

We’re validating where we’re spending our time for the most impact

Based on various compelling reasons, I’m highly confident about VRChat’s long-term prosperity. We’re dealing with a significant opportunity, but to capitalize on it, we must act swiftly, adaptably, and intelligently, making tough calls when necessary. The challenging choice before us now is that our team size needs to be reduced in its present form to ensure the wellbeing and expansion of the business.

I recently conducted a comprehensive analysis in March to gain insight into how VRChat could accomplish its objectives over the subsequent five-year period. The findings from this exploration were quite enlightening, with four key takeaways emerging:

As a gamer, I can relate this experience by saying: «Initially, our team operated smoothly without a management structure. We were a flat organization composed mainly of individual contributors (ICs), delivering impressive results in the market up until 2022. However, when virtual reality growth started to decelerate and VRChat’s expansion plateaued, we found ourselves with an exceptional group of ICs striving towards our objectives. It wasn’t until mid-2023 that we realized the importance of introducing a product and people management layer. This addition would help us align all of our IC efforts effectively towards our goals and determine the necessary skill sets for our future growth.»

In the rush to prepare for continued expansion in 2021-2022, we brought on board more Individual Contribers (ICs) than necessary. Our organization experienced remarkable growth during this period, leading us to expand our IC team substantially. However, contrary to our expectations, the growth rate did not sustain and instead declined compared to the previous year. This left us with a larger workforce than required for our current user base, resulting in an excessively large organization with disproportionate operational costs and burn rate in comparison to revenue and product development.

To carry out our plans successfully over the next five years, we require additional time and financial breathing room. With our current management team in place, we now have a clearer understanding of what is necessary for achieving success. Our cash reserves are strong, but to implement our five-year strategy effectively, we need a longer financial runway that offers a clear path to profitability. The present fundraising landscape is challenging, and we may find it difficult to secure new investments without significant improvements in key performance indicators. In order to maintain control of our own future and reduce reliance on external market-driven investment, we are focusing on maximizing capital efficiency to ensure VRChat continues to grow and prosper.

As a gamer and member of this amazing team that has created an exceptional product over the last decade, I understand that the road ahead will bring new challenges. While I’m proud of our achievements, I also recognize that the next ten years will require different skills and roles to help us grow and reach our full potential. This transition may feel uncomfortable at times, but I truly believe it is essential for taking VRChat to new heights and making it the success we all envision.

Jesse and I deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused by this change. Our priority is to support each team member in their transition, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities for future success.

As a gamer, I helped my team analyze our five-year business plan and identify areas for improvement. Facing the tough reality of having to downsize by approximately 30%, we carefully evaluated which vital skills, expertise, and roles would best serve our future objectives. Based on these criteria, we made our decisions.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: «I understand that some team members have to move on, and it’s important to remember that this isn’t a commentary on their skills or value to the project. Instead, it’s a sign of the ever-evolving business landscape and market conditions.»

For the benefit of those who are leaving and those who remain, we’ll handle their departure with care and dignity. We understand that this is a challenging time, and we want to make things as smooth as possible for those moving on. Our plan includes providing support in their transition to new opportunities.

Team members leaving our organization will receive 12 weeks of compensation as a parting gift. For those who have served more than three years, they will be eligible for an extra two weeks for each additional year up to a maximum of six weeks. Similarly, team members with over five years of tenure will receive an additional three weeks, also capping it at six weeks. In the case of international team members, we ensure that they receive either our offered package or the amount mandated by local laws, whichever is more generous.

Healthcare. We will pay for up to 6 months of healthcare coverage for those who are eligible.

For those yet to reach the one-year milestone, we will no longer require them to wait an additional year before becoming eligible to exercise their stock options. This means they can do so earlier than previously planned.

As a devoted follower of employee compensation packages, I’d recommend extending the Stock Option Post-Termination Exercise Period (PTEP) for departing team members. Instead of the current 90-day window, we propose increasing it to one year, with an additional eligibility consideration for those who have served a more extended tenure within the organization. This modification will provide these valued former employees with more time to exercise their stock options.

As a dedicated career supporter, I’m here to help you navigate your next professional steps. By providing a career support service, I will make it my mission to facilitate connections between you and potential new employers. Let me be your guide as we explore new opportunities together.

As a dedicated gamer who’s been an active member of the VRChat community, I understand how deeply connected many of us are to this platform. While we’re going through some changes as a company, my hope is that our shared love and enthusiasm for VRChat will continue to thrive. For those departing team members, I want to extend a special offer: as a token of appreciation for your contributions to the VRChat community, we’ll provide you with some unique perks specifically designed for our valued alumni.

Lifetime VRChat Plus. Departing members will get a lifetime subscription to VRChat Plus.

A VRChat badge identifying someone as an esteemed member of the VRChat alumni community, to be displayed in-game upon implementation of the badging system.

For departing team members intending to establish businesses within VRChat’s Creator Economy, we offer a reduced transaction fee on purchases made from your individual stores as a support.

Above all, despite this being an unwanted or unexpected departure, we want to make it clear to those parting ways that they are valued members of our VRChat team and their contributions are deeply appreciated.

After this announcement, keep an eye on your inbox as you’ll receive two emails — one to your company email and another to your personal email. The former will confirm whether or not your position is affected, while the latter (for those whose roles are impacted) will include details of their severance package and instructions for a meeting regarding the particulars of their departure. If unsure about which personal email was used, contact the VRChat HR Team via email.

For those choosing to remain with us, please be prepared for some turbulence as we undergo numerous changes simultaneously. Our priority today is assisting departing colleagues in their transitions and ensuring their success. Your cooperation and understanding are vital during this period, allowing us to provide the best possible experience for our users and departing team members alike.

One possible paraphrase for «Moving Forward» could be «Looking Ahead with Lessons Learned». This implies that despite current circumstances, we have the opportunity to grow and improve based on our experiences to avoid similar issues in the future.

As a devoted follower of effective team dynamics, I recognize the significance of management in nurturing a sizable team. Going forward, we’ll strive for an optimal distribution of management and individual contributors (ICs) within our ranks. I’m excited about the knowledge and experience our fresh management team will bring to VRChat, allowing us to adopt best practices that strengthen our collaborative efforts.

As a fervent advocate for smart hiring practices, I firmly believe that every new addition to our team should undergo rigorous evaluation. Moving forward, I will personally ensure that each hire aligns with our strategic objectives. Is the role essential to our growth? Is there an urgent business requirement? Am I absolutely convinced that this individual is the ideal candidate for the position? Could someone within our organization fulfill the role? Can we outsource the task instead of hiring a full-time employee?

In simpler terms, for much of our past, we’ve relied on having just 1-2 years worth of financial resources (runway) to sustain our operations, assuming we could easily secure more funding. However, as market conditions improve over time, our approach to capital will evolve towards self-sufficiency and optimal resource utilization. We’re working on increasing revenue and reducing infrastructure expenses to reach profitability and a robust business model by our H2 targets. Our team will be kept informed of financial projections to enable sound decisions based on complete context.

As our business evolves, so do its personnel requirements. To facilitate this transition, we intend to introduce more managers with a people-centric approach and are committed to providing resources for team members’ professional advancement. This includes tools that clarify individual development paths, expectations, and what excellence entails. Furthermore, as new competencies become essential, we will proactively recruit individuals with the necessary expertise.

As a dedicated gamer, I understand the importance of focusing on the present task at hand without being distracted by potential future uncertainties. That’s why we aim to make this reduction count and only do it once. By reducing our team size sufficiently today, we can confidently say that we won’t have to face another reduction for a while, allowing us to concentrate fully on our mission. The future may be uncertain, but with this decision, we take a step towards securing our focus and progress in the game.

As a devoted fan, I acknowledge that parting ways with our gifted team members and companions today brings a sense of sadness. However, with this change comes an opportunity to fortify VRChat for lasting achievement. We’ve laid the groundwork and are now armed with the time necessary to bring our vision to fruition.

Our goal continues to be the same, and it’s worth restating: to enhance the world through engaging virtual social experiences and make them accessible to countless individuals. It is our duty to preserve and expand the vibrant community in VRChat, where so many have formed friendships, discovered new connections, and found joy, and to extend this chance to all.

To those leaving VRChat,

Appreciation once more for the devotion, effort, and investment you’ve poured into constructing VRChat. Wishing you great success in your future endeavors and standing ready to back you up every step of the way.

With love and sadness,

Graham and Jesse