Layoffs at Epic Games Affect Employee Battling Terminal Illness

An employee dealing with a brain tumor is among the more than 1,000 workers who were laid off by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. The layoffs also resulted in the loss of his health insurance.

Jenny Griffin shared on Facebook that her husband, Mike Plinke, 38, from Sanford, North Carolina, was let go amidst these layoffs. Unlike many others, he is currently fighting terminal brain cancer.

In response to public outcry, Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, mentioned that the company has been in touch with Griffin and Plinke and is working to resolve their insurance matters.

Griffin expressed her distress, stating that their financial situation has worsened because they lost not just income but also life insurance. She highlighted that Mike’s illness is now categorized as a pre-existing condition, making it nearly impossible to obtain new coverage.

The reality of their situation is overwhelming for her. “I lost my husband…and I’m now confronted with the costs of a funeral and burial,” she wrote.

In her post, Griffin hoped to connect with someone at Epic who could help, emphasizing that Mike is much more than just a number; he’s a beloved husband and father.

She added a detailed brain scan image, pointing out the tumor in his frontal lobe, noting the seriousness of his health with the presence of multiple tumors that are growing.

On Sunday, Griffin provided an update, mentioning that discussions with relevant parties are ongoing, with promises of more updates to come soon.

A user on social media tagged Griffin’s message and called out Sweeney, asking rhetorically if he was satisfied with the situation. Sweeney replied that medical information is confidential and was not part of the termination decision, apologizing for not addressing the distress earlier.

Support flooded in for Griffin online, with many suggesting she reach out to human resources or even start a fundraiser for their financial needs. Some urged Epic Games to take action, labeling the situation as unacceptable.

Having been with Epic Games for nearly seven years, Plinke continued to work even after his diagnosis and made frequent medical visits. Griffin stated that his health status was well-known among his colleagues.

As tension grows, Griffin reflected on their situation, emphasizing the importance of making the most of every moment while they navigate the difficult journey ahead as Mike’s health declines further. There’s an ever-looming concern about the potential for severe health incidents at any moment.

Recently, Epic Games announced significant layoffs as part of a strategy to cut costs due to a decline in Fortnite’s engagement and rising operational expenses. These cuts followed earlier layoffs from earlier in the year aimed at stabilizing the business.