In today’s first bit of bad news from the industry, THQ has confirmed that 86 quality assurance staffers were recently let go at Volition, the studio behind the free-roaming Saint’s Row franchise.

Forty seven temporary employees were fired at the studio’s Champaign, Illinois facility, in addition to 39 full-time staff. All those affected will be given sixty days notice and employment assistance.

"[The layoffs] will not result in any layoffs within the core development teams at Volition," noted THQ. "Volition remains a key development studio within THQ and will continue to employ 236 staff.”