Edge is reporting that SEGA has confirmed laying off 30 staff members due to “economic recession, harsh retail landscape, and the reality of business challenges to profitability,” according to a company spokesperson.

SEGA of America is reported to employ 165 people, according to Yahoo! Finance. That figure is from back in 2007 so it may have fluctuated somewhat, but assuming it’s accurate or close to accurate, a 30-person cut would be around 18% of the company’s workforce.

Here’s more from the company rep’s e-mail:

“Sega of America has grown at pace with the booming videogame industry, but at this time of economic recession, harsh retail landscape, and the reality of business challenges to profitability, we must take steps to reduce our cost structure and ensure long-term success.

The decision to lay off staff was a difficult one, and we thank these employees for their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Edge-online.com [via Kotaku]