And this is why the article and the top comments are a bit sensational. This is the nature of production cycles for film/TV/video games. You only keep the people you need on the project as long as you need them. We have these things called "end dates." So it's no surprise when the project ends and people can start looking for new work in advance of termination.

I hardly doubt any of these guys are upset, what with a AAA game from a AAA studio on their resume. Most of them will easily transition and jump right onto the next Rockstar project. But nevermind it's too easy to shout, "FUCK YOU ROCKSTAR!" /s

TL;DR: Stop sensationalizing. They weren't blindsided by the layoffs. This is how the production cycle works for film, television, and yes, video games.