In a statement made to Massively by SOE, five percent of Sony Online Entertainment's workforce, or 41 employees, have been laid off today. The lay offs were made to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.

The full statement to Massively is available below:

"In a move to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated 5% of its full-time workforce, equaling 41 people. SOE looks forward to continuing its leadership role in the online games industry as it celebrates the highly successful launch of Free Realms, the 10-year commemoration of its ground-breaking EverQuest franchise, and the continued performance of the company's other games."

 Via Massively.