Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios business and news from across the web.
State Of Decay And Hellblade Devs Are Being Sold, But Buyers Remain Mysterious For NowMicrosoft's Xbox division is selling off development studios Undead Labs and Ninja Theory as part of a larger restructuring that includes significant layoffs. While the buyers remain undisclosed, these studios will continue to work on their respective titles, Senua and State of Decay 3. Additionally, Compulsion Games and Double Fine are becoming independent, and Arkane's French studio is undergoing consultation for potential strategic options.
Xbox are parting ways with Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory in the course of thousands of layoffsMicrosoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 3200 employees and is parting ways with five Xbox-owned studios: Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory. Some studios will become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane's future is uncertain. CEO Asha Sharma cited rising costs, underperforming acquisitions, and a challenging industry landscape as reasons for the "reset."
Microsoft confirms 3200 layoffs and four studio departuresMicrosoft has confirmed significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees across its Xbox business, including 1,600 on the day of the announcement. Four studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, will either become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane Studios faces strategic review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited slower-than-expected growth in Game Pass, multi-platform strategies, and content portfolio as reasons for the restructuring, which will also involve reducing management layers.
Xbox is laying off 3,200 people and dumping 4 studiosXbox announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees and the restructuring of four studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. While Compulsion and Double Fine will become independent, Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are being sold to new management. The company also confirmed reductions across Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, King, Mojang, and Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Asha Sharma citing the business's unhealthy state and slower-than-expected growth from Game Pass and multi-platform releases.
Xbox to reduce workforce by 3,200, five studios to be divestedXbox announced significant workforce reductions affecting 3,200 employees and the divestment of five studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane. Compulsion Games and Double Fine will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set for new ownership to continue development on their respective projects. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the company is refocusing its strategy, acknowledging that it cannot be the best home for every studio.
Microsoft is cutting 3,200 Xbox employees, and half of them will be eliminated today in "the most significant…Microsoft has initiated significant layoffs within its Xbox division, with approximately 1,600 employees being cut on July 6, 2024, as part of a larger restructuring plan affecting around 3,200 roles by the end of fiscal year 2027. This reduction includes the closure or sale of four studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. The company is also considering strategic options for Arkane Studios.
Xbox parts ways with 4 studios, with South of Midnight and Psychonauts devs going independent as Arkane begins "required consultation" to "review potential strategic options"Xbox is undergoing a significant restructure, leading to four of its studios becoming independent or finding new ownership. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will transition to independent studios, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will be acquired by new owners. Additionally, Arkane Studios is entering a consultation period to review its strategic options.
Microsoft announces 3200 layoffs and four studio departures in "most significant" Xbox restructuring in historyMicrosoft has announced a significant restructuring of its Xbox division, including approximately 3,200 layoffs and the departure of four studios. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. Arkane Studios is also under review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited business performance and industry challenges as reasons for the changes.
Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures, And Spin-Offs: Everything Announced TodayMicrosoft has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, impacting 3,200 employees over the current financial year, with 1,600 layoffs starting immediately. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, are transitioning back to independent management, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. The company cited financial underperformance and a need to reset its strategy, focusing investment on higher-priority games and core IPs.
Resetting XBOXXbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, involving approximately 3,200 job reductions throughout fiscal year 2027, with 1,600 roles eliminated immediately. Four studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, will transition to independent management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are in terms to join new ownership. This strategic reset aims to improve profitability and focus on core businesses, with a simplified organizational structure and a new Chief Operating Officer, Helen Chiang, overseeing operations.
Wolfenstein 3 is in the Works, Marvel’s Blade Safe as Arkane Faces Restructuring – RumorRumors suggest that Wolfenstein 3 is in development at MachineGames, which is reportedly safe following the success of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Marvel's Blade is also said to be proceeding at Arkane Studios, despite restructuring within the company. Jerk Gustafsson has been named president of Arkane, and further announcements regarding layoffs and the studio's new structure are expected.
Xbox Layoffs Won’t Stop Work on Doom, Quake and WolfensteinDespite significant layoffs impacting Xbox and its ZeniMax Media subsidiaries, work on franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ZeniMax will not be reduced to only developing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also undergoing management restructuring to streamline decision-making processes.
Xbox Announces 3,200 Layoffs for Fiscal Year 2027, Four Studios to be ReleasedXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, with 1,600 layoffs occurring immediately. Four studios—Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs—are being released. Sharma cited lower-than-comparable margins and industry hardware challenges as reasons for the restructuring, aiming to reset Xbox's business focus.- Wolfenstein 3 Is Reportedly In Production As Microsoft Looks To Invest In MachineGamesWolfenstein 3 is reportedly in production at MachineGames, with Microsoft looking to invest in the studio. The article also hints at a potential Wolfenstein television series and mentions leadership changes at both MachineGames and Arkane Studios.
- Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
Xbox is closing down studios to help fund more Halo claim insidersXbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a strategy to reallocate resources towards key franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. Insiders suggest this move aims to revitalize struggling IPs and address issues with post-launch support, particularly for Halo Infinite. Several studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, are rumored to be at risk.
Marvel’s Blade is Seemingly “Pretty Far Along” With Reveal Planned for 2026 – RumorRumors suggest that Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is far along in development, with a potential reveal planned for 2026 and release in 2027. Despite reports of delays and Xbox potentially not wanting to fund further development, the game's existence is not officially confirmed, nor is the fate of Arkane Studios or other Xbox-owned studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Rumors claim Xbox wants to close Obsidian, but Jason Schreier says otherwiseRecent reports suggest Xbox is considering closing or selling several studios, including Obsidian Entertainment, due to financial pressures. However, journalist Jason Schreier has refuted claims that Obsidian is in negotiations to avoid closure, stating Xbox intends to keep the developer. The article also touches on frustrations within Xbox regarding leadership's focus on profitability and the impact of underperforming titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Is yet another Microsoft studio, Obsidian, negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure? Conflicting reports emergeConflicting reports suggest that Obsidian Entertainment is negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure, amidst a wave of layoffs affecting other Xbox studios like Arkane, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. While one report indicates internal sentiment blames poor Call of Duty performance for these decisions, another source denies Obsidian is in negotiations to shut down, stating the studio will be kept by Xbox.