Epic Games previously published a notice to its employees, updating them on the significant decline in the company’s stability, which has forced the CEO to make multiple drastic decisions, including laying off 1000 employees and stripping full-time benefits. Though the company is still offering severance packages, they’re not enough to address the serious issues facing Mike Prinke.
Mike Prinke’s situation was explained during an interview with Kotaku by his wife, Jenni Griffin. He worked as an Epic Games programmer who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The life insurance in Mike’s full-time benefits greatly helped cover the necessary treatments for his illness. His job termination both hindered support for his family and his own future livelihood since no other insurance can cover what’s currently viewed as a pre-existing condition.
“Because of the layoff, we didn’t just lose income—we lost his life insurance. And because his condition is now considered a pre-existing condition, he can’t get new coverage”
Mike Prinke never kept his diagnosed condition to himself. Jenni stated how several coworkers were aware of his cancer and need for the job’s insurance. As they look for new coverage, Jenni wishes to spread her husband’s story enough for Epic to notice and act before his condition worsens.
“We are running out of time, and I’m trying everything I can to protect my family while I still have him here with us.”
Tim Sweeney has now responded to a post acknowledging Prinke’s situation. He stated how Prinke’s illness was excluded during the layoff process, somehow becoming an unprioritized factor for the executives to consider. After apologizing, he quickly made an update about Epic reaching out to Prinke’s family with certain options suitable for his situation.
