38 Studios laid off all its employees in Providence and Maryland this afternoon, several sources tell WPRI 12. Here is the text of the email the company sent workers:

The Company is experiencing an economic downturn. To avoid further losses and possibility of retrenchment, the Company has decided that a companywide lay off is absolutely necessary.

These layoffs are non-voluntary and non-disciplinary.

This is your official notice of lay off, effective today, Thursday, May 24th, 2012.

The company had 379 full-time employees at its two studios as of March 15. More details as they become available.

Update: Lots of live updates on my Twitter feed. I will have a complete, thorough article for you later tonight recapping everything that happened today with 38 Studios and the EDC. Check back tonight.

Update #2: Governor Chafee offered few major new details at his 5:30 press conference. For former 38 Studios employees, here’s where you apply for jobless benefits in Rhode Island.