Epic Games layoffs affect employee with terminal brain cancer as company responds

Epic Games’ recent layoffs have drawn attention after it emerged that one of the affected employees is living with terminal brain cancer.

The company confirmed on March 25, 2026, that more than 1,000 staff members were laid off amid declining engagement with Fortnite. Among those impacted was programmer Mike Prinke, who had worked at the company for over six years.

His partner, Jenni Griffin, shared details of the situation in a public Facebook post, explaining the challenges the family now faces following the loss of employment and associated benefits.

“My husband, Mike, was recently laid off along with over a thousand others at Epic Games,” Griffin said. “What makes this different for our family is that Mike is currently fighting terminal brain cancer.”

Griffin stated that beyond the loss of income, the family is also dealing with the loss of health and life insurance. She explained that the illness is considered a pre-existing condition, making it difficult to secure new coverage.

“We should be spending every possible moment treasuring the time we have left as tumors are actively bleeding into Mike’s brain. But instead, we have to rush to try and figure out life insurance as fast as possible,” she said.

She also noted the financial considerations the family must now address, including funeral and burial arrangements. Griffin added that those responsible for the layoffs may not have intended this outcome.

“He really gave everything to keep our family protected only to be laid off,” she said.

According to Griffin, Prinke’s condition was known among colleagues at the company. “Everyone he worked with knows.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded publicly, stating, “Epic is in contact with the family.” He added that medical information was not a factor in the decision and acknowledged the situation, saying the company is committed to addressing the matter.