Epic's mass layoffs left a programmer with terminal brain cancer without life insurance, but Tim Sweeney says the company will "solve" the problem
Rock Paper Shotgun • • technology
Key Points:
- Epic Games' recent mass layoffs resulted in programmer Mike Prinke, who has terminal brain cancer, losing his life insurance, leaving him and his family struggling to secure new coverage due to his pre-existing condition.
- Prinke’s wife, Jenni Griffin, highlighted the family’s urgent need for life insurance amid his deteriorating health, emphasizing the emotional and financial strain caused by the layoffs.
- Epic CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged the situation, stating the company is in contact with Prinke’s family and committed to resolving the insurance issue, while apologizing for not addressing the matter beforehand.
- The layoffs included over 1,000 staff, with Epic offering severance packages and extended healthcare coverage, though the loss of life insurance has posed a unique hardship for Prinke’s family.
- As of the latest update, the family is actively negotiating with Epic to restore insurance coverage, aiming to alleviate their financial uncertainty during this critical time.
