The company behind augmented reality game Pokemon Go is laying off workers, according to reports

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The company behind augmented reality game Pokemon Go is laying off workers, according to reports

A picture taken on July 14, 2016 shows a warning sign advising users to be aware of your surroundings flashing on a smartphone of a player in Lagos on July 14, 2016. - Pokemon Go mania has players armed with smartphones hunting streets, parks, rivers, landmarks and other sites to capture monsters and gather supplies. The free app, based on a Nintendo title that debuted 20 years ago, has been adapted to the mobile internet age by Niantic Labs, a company spun out of Google last year. Pokemon Go uses smartphone satellite location, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real world settings, challenging players to capture and train the creatures for battles. (Photo by STEFAN HEUNIS / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Niantic is laying off 8 percent of its workforce and canceling four projects. The company has been trying to replicate the success of Nintendo go with other mobile AR games.

Niantic VP of communications Jonny thaw said in a statement to the verge of halt production on some projects and reduce our workforce by about eight percent.’we are grateful for the contributions of those leaving Niantic and we are supporting them through this difficult transition,’ he said.

The increased focus puts us in a position to weather the broader economic uncertainty many companies are facing and continue investing in the future of AR.

About 85 to 90 people are being let go, according to Bloomberg. The changes mean the game will be canceled and two titles are codenamed blue sky and snowball.

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