Update 8/28/09 – LadyM tipped me off of a post from Web Producer Caryl Shaw on the current status of Maxis:

Hey there all,

Wanted to check in and thank the community for their interest in the events yesterday within the Maxis studio. In the games industry we experience ups and downs as the cycle of game development shifts and evolves and this is one of those times where we made some hard decisions on how to focus our business and the Studio.

It was a tough day for everyone involved, but with EA’s continued commitment to the Maxis team, we at the Studio and EA remain committed to making great games – Spore, as well as other IP. We’re all excited about the upcoming games for the Nintendo platforms – Spore Hero, coming to the Wii for the first time, and Spore Hero Arena on the DS – and we hope you guys are too.

Thanks for your continued support – the creations and Adventures you guys make every day and upload to the site never cease to amaze me.

-caryl (aka MaxisLucky)

While it may seem like a press release, she assured us it’s in her own words.  Considering she may of played the role in having to be the middle-person, I couldn’t of said it any better.  Best of luck to Maxis is hopes of re-cooping, as well as the the employees (and their families) who had to be let go.

“Often in the video game industry, the size of a studio fluctuates in response to business conditions,” an EA rep said in a statement. “In this case, EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis. EA remains fully committed to Spore and other IP within Maxis, with games planned for launch in the next few months, including Spore Hero, coming to the Wii for the first time, and Spore Hero Arena on the DS.”

I can’t imagine coming in to work only to see a pink slip sitting on your desk – or even being told you have to be let go.  I hope this is not the signs that Spore isn’t doing as well as they intended.  Nobody should have to lose their job over this, but I’m afraid that’s how life works 🙁  My thoughts and prayers go out to any of the Maxis team in this situation.  Hopefully EA can relocate you into another studio.

Source:  GameSpot