Bethesda Game Studios Montreal
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How to run an indie game studio: Part 5, Better meetings
This guide, the final part of a five-part series on indie management by Martijn van Zwieten, focuses on improving studio meetings. It outlines a structured approach to weekly, quarterly, and yearly meetings, emphasizing clear agendas, time allocations, and specific goals like check-ins, to-do reviews, rock status checks, and problem-solving (IDS) to ensure progress and decision-making. The article introduces the FIRM framework for studio management, covering vision, goals, issue resolution, and quarterly traction.
Prime Video's Fallout reality competition Fallout Shelter: The Experiment premieres in January
Prime Video's reality competition series, Fallout Shelter: The Experiment, is set to premiere on January 13, 2027, with the first four episodes available on launch day and the rest following weekly. The unscripted show features participants testing their survival skills in Vault-Tec shelters for a chance to win $1 million. The series is produced by Studio Lambert, Kilter Films, and involves Bethesda Game Studios with Todd Howard and James Altman as executive producers.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 4, Setting (and hitting) quarterly rocks
This guide, part four of a series on running an indie game studio, focuses on setting and achieving quarterly goals, referred to as 'rocks.' Business coach Martijn van Zwieten explains why yearly goals are insufficient and how quarterly objectives provide a crucial middle-distance focus for substantial progress. The article details the 'rocks' metaphor from Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and outlines a straightforward process for teams to define and commit to these critical quarterly priorities, emphasizing specificity for accountability and team alignment.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 3, Dealing with issues
This guide provides strategies for indie game studios to address and resolve internal issues that go beyond typical development problems. It introduces methods like creating a studio backlog and using the IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) framework to foster constructive problem-solving and build essential team habits for long-term studio health.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 2, Defining your future
Business coach Martijn van Zwieten outlines how indie game studios can define a long-term future goal, known as a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG), to guide all future decisions. This article, part two of a series, details an exercise for teams to collaboratively establish a 5-10 year vision and then set yearly goals to achieve it.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 1, What is a studio?
This guide, the first in a five-part series by business coach Martijn van Zwieten, focuses on the fundamental aspects of running an indie game studio. It emphasizes the importance of building the studio itself alongside the game, defining what a studio is, and establishing a clear purpose based on passion, excellence, and economic drivers. The article introduces the FIRM framework (Future, Issues, Rocks, Meetings) as a tool for studio management.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
Skyrim loremaster says The Elder Scrolls never got a Fallout: New Vegas-style game because Bethesda is "very protective" over its golden goose
Former Skyrim developer Kurt Kuhlmann suggests Bethesda's protective stance over The Elder Scrolls franchise prevented the creation of a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off. He believes Bethesda, particularly Todd Howard, wanted to avoid comparisons that favored external studios like Obsidian Entertainment, unlike what happened with Fallout: New Vegas. While The Elder Scrolls Online provided an ongoing experience, Kuhlmann implies a missed opportunity for a different kind of Elder Scrolls game.
Bethesda say new underlings Obsidian will retain their "distinct" creative identity, despite no longer being as free to work on their own creatively distinct series
Bethesda's Jill Braff announced that Obsidian Entertainment will now report to Bethesda, impacting its creative independence. While Braff claims Obsidian's distinct identity will remain, the article argues this structural change, especially with Obsidian working on a new Fallout project, will likely dilute their ability to create original series like The Outer Worlds or Pentiment.
Bethesda says that Obsidian's 'creative identity' will be preserved, just months after multiple projects were cancelled and it was told to make a Fallout game
Bethesda Game Studios stated that Obsidian Entertainment's 'creative identity' will be preserved following its integration into Bethesda and the cancellation of multiple projects. Despite assurances, the article expresses skepticism, highlighting recent layoffs and the shift to developing a new Fallout game after a 16-year hiatus from the franchise.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
Report: Bethesda president tells Obsidian staff it won't lose 'creative identity' after merge
Bethesda president Jill Braff reportedly assured Obsidian Entertainment staff that their 'creative identity' will remain intact following the merger into Bethesda. The move, announced by parent company Xbox, involves a change in reporting structure rather than creative oversight. Obsidian leadership will continue to lead the studio, which will report to Braff, while Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both teams collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Obsidian's "creative identity and strengths" will remain intact, promises Bethesda, as it takes control of Fallout: New Vegas studio
Following Xbox's recent reorganisation, Obsidian Entertainment is being moved under Bethesda's umbrella. Bethesda president Jill Braff assured staff that Obsidian's creative identity will remain intact, with CEO Feargus Urquhart continuing to lead the studio. This move comes as Bethesda Game Studios leads the Fallout franchise, with early work on a new Fallout project already underway.
Obsidian Will Retain Leadership and “Creative Identity” Under Bethesda – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its leadership and creative identity while reporting to Bethesda under a new organizational structure within Xbox. This change comes amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, raising concerns for Obsidian's future despite assurances of continued creative independence and ongoing work on a new Fallout project.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
Obsidian Entertainment to fall under Bethesda's authority following Xbox layoffs
Obsidian Entertainment is now under the authority of Bethesda Game Studios following recent Xbox layoffs and organizational changes. Obsidian will continue its current projects, including Grounded, and is working on new Fallout titles with Bethesda, including a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas. The article suggests this consolidation implies Bethesda will take on responsibility and control of Obsidian's operations.
What the hell are you guys doing?
The author expresses strong criticism towards Microsoft's decision to place Obsidian Entertainment under Bethesda Softworks, questioning the logic and potential negative impact on both studios' legacies and developers. The move is seen as a baffling addition of bureaucracy and a sign of executive incompetence, especially following other industry layoffs and the closure of Tango Gameworks.
Obsidian’s New Fallout Game Is Still Coming, As The Studio Moves Under Bethesda’s Umbrella
Obsidian Entertainment will now operate under Bethesda Softworks as part of Xbox's ongoing restructuring. This change aims to integrate Obsidian more closely with Bethesda's business unit while allowing Obsidian to continue its current projects, including Grounded and a new Fallout game.
Bethesda takes over Obsidian Entertainment management from Xbox Game Studios as the two continue work on their…
Bethesda Game Studios is now managing Obsidian Entertainment, taking over from Xbox Game Studios after seven years. This change occurs as both studios continue work on a collaborative Fallout project, potentially a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 5. The news comes amidst significant layoffs impacting both studios.
