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EA hit with third round of layoffs this year
Electronic Arts has conducted its third round of layoffs this year, impacting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. This follows previous staff reductions affecting developers on "Skate" and "Battlefield 6," and comes after EA's acquisition by an investor consortium last September. The company has also shed staff and studios over multiple years, including layoffs at "Apex Legends," Codemasters, BioWare, and the closure of Cliffhanger Games.
Knight of the Old Republic 2 was great because it peeled back Star Wars' black-and-white morality
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is lauded for its deconstruction of the Star Wars universe's black-and-white morality, offering a darker, more complex narrative. Despite a troubled development and a rushed launch, the game, particularly with the Sith Lords Restored Content mod, is praised for its writing and characters, especially Kreia, who challenges simplistic notions of good and evil.
The Stream Team: Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, Trine 6, and more Steam Next Fest multiplayer demos
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be showcasing various multiplayer game demos from Steam Next Fest, including Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, and Trine 6. Hawthorne is notably developed by former employees of Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. The stream will focus on multiplayer and MMORPG titles, with a mention of interest in single-player games like Chonky Cat and Where We Used to Play.
Former Dragon Age writer says AI could make gamedev 'frustrating as hell': 'How are we going to train up the next generation of devs if we eliminate every entry-level task?'
Former BioWare writer David Gaider expressed concerns that generative AI could make game development "frustrating as hell" by eliminating entry-level tasks crucial for training new developers. He highlighted issues with AI inconsistency and the ethical implications of using artists' data without consent, a sentiment echoed by other developers like David Szymanski and Danny Koo.
The best D&D videogame you've never played is one guy's outsider art, personal Baldur's Gate saga
The Neverwinter Nights mod campaign, Swordflight, is highlighted as a masterfully designed, challenging RPG experience created by a single developer over many years. This fan-made module for BioWare's classic game offers a deep Dungeons & Dragons 3E adaptation, emphasizing strategic planning and resource management, and is praised for its reactive storytelling and unique moral system.
EA Has Started Informing Staff of Layoffs, Will Affect Multiple Divisions – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly begun informing staff of layoffs across multiple divisions, though the initial round may be small. This news comes amid wider industry trends of job cuts, with Microsoft also expected to implement significant layoffs, particularly affecting studios not directly tied to major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Developers at BioWare had already expressed concerns following EA's acquisition by an investor consortium.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?
This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Rumour: Gaming Industry 'Bloodbath' Imminent, as Sony, Microsoft, and More Brace for Mass Layoffs
A report suggests that the gaming industry is facing imminent mass layoffs, with major publishers like Sony and Microsoft potentially cutting entire studios. French journalist Sylvain Trinel indicated that the current situation at Xbox is just the beginning of a larger 'bloodbath' for studios, also highlighting concerns for companies like Don't Nod, Quantic Dream, id Software, Bethesda, and BioWare. Speculation also points to potential issues for PlayStation studios such as Media Molecule and Bend Studio.
Baldur's Gate 3 from the OG devs didn't happen despite years of trying because the money people thought "It's a single-player RPG, it's not going to do that big in numbers"
Former BioWare developer Trent Oster revealed that his team's attempt to secure funding for Baldur's Gate 3 years ago was rejected by investors who doubted the commercial viability of single-player RPGs. Oster's vision for the game was a smaller, $20 million project, in contrast to Larian Studios' eventual massive success. He notes that even after Baldur's Gate 3's triumph, the perception of what constitutes a successful RPG has shifted to require larger budgets and more extensive features.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
BioWare's co-founder fought to make Baldur's Gate 3 for over a decade, then Larian did it instead: 'I…
BioWare co-founder Trent Oster discusses the long and difficult journey to get Baldur's Gate 3 made, with multiple studios like Black Isle, Obsidian, and Beamdog attempting and failing to secure funding over two decades. Beamdog, led by Oster, pitched a version to Wizards of the Coast but ultimately could not secure the necessary $20 million budget, leading them to pursue other projects. Oster reflects on Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, acknowledging their greater capital and ability to execute their vision at a high scale.
Say hello to EA Advertising, which will let your favourite brands 'integrate' ads to 'enhance' your…
Electronic Arts has launched EA Advertising, a new platform enabling brands to integrate advertisements into its games. Initially targeting sports titles like EA Sports FC and Madden NFL, these "in-game integrations" will feature dynamic placements, branded content, and reward-driven objectives. EA claims its games reach over 120 million players monthly, presenting a significant opportunity for advertisers to "enhance" player experiences.
New Xbox Exec Advocates For Something Everyone Hates To Help Save Gaming
Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball suggests that in-game advertising could be a solution to rising development costs and consumer reluctance to pay more for games. He points to the success of ad-supported tiers in streaming services as a model. Ball acknowledges past negative reactions to in-game ads but argues that companies need to explore such revenue streams to keep products affordable and fund development.
Archetype Entertainment founder and BioWare veteran wishes Exodus didn't look so much like Mass Effect
James Ohlen, founder of Archetype Entertainment and BioWare veteran, expressed regret that his studio's upcoming game, Exodus, bears a strong visual resemblance to Mass Effect. While acknowledging Mass Effect's influence, Ohlen hopes the team can further differentiate Exodus's look and highlight unique elements like the 'Awakened' intelligent animals and a time dilation mechanic.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 568: Take me home, Tyrian roads
The Massively OP Podcast episode 568 covers the official announcement of Guild Wars 3, release windows for Aion 2, Stars Reach, Loftia, Dune Awakening, and Valheim, and early access updates for Camelot Unchained and Eterspire. The hosts also discuss Star Wars: The Old Republic's Update 7.9 and The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 50.
EXODUS looks like a good fit for Mass Effect fans wanting something more
EXODUS, a sci-fi action-adventure RPG from Archetype Entertainment, is slated for release in 2027 and aims to fill the void left by Mass Effect. An extended gameplay reveal showcased the game's combat, exploration, and narrative elements, with Game Director Chris King providing commentary. The developer's ties to BioWare suggest a strong lineage for the title.
Mass Effect Fans, Feast Your Eyes on a Full 20 Minutes of Exodus Gameplay
Archetype Entertainment has released 20 minutes of gameplay for their upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus, showcasing its similarities to the Mass Effect series. Director Chris King detailed the game's story, characters, dialogue, exploration, and combat, which features cover-based shooting and player choices impacting the narrative. Exodus is slated for an early 2027 release.
Summer Game Fest no-shows: The big games that were absent from 2026's showcases
Several highly anticipated games were notably absent from the Summer Game Fest showcases, leaving fans speculating about their development status. Titles like Arkane's Blade, the Witcher 3 DLC, Injustice 3, and the Divinity sequel were among the expected reveals that did not materialize. The article highlights the absence of these games and discusses potential reasons or future reveal opportunities.
Exodus: Everything you need to know about the sci-fi RPG from former Mass Effect devs
Exodus is a new sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, a studio founded by former BioWare developers. The game is set 40,000 years in the future and features a choice-driven narrative with a time dilation mechanic. It is scheduled for release in Early 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
