Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment business and news from across the web.
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax hit hard by Xbox layoffs, says unionMicrosoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax Media, with the Bethesda Game Workers Union reporting that many employees have been let go. Reports indicate that studios like id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are also cutting a substantial number of staff. These reductions are part of a broader reorganization across various Microsoft gaming divisions to focus on higher priority projects.- Microsoft Xbox is shedding 3200 games industry workers, Blizzard and ZeniMax are affectedMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant layoffs, cutting 3,200 jobs, which represents 20% of its workforce. Affected studios include Blizzard Entertainment and ZeniMax Media, with Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games being sold or divested. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and requires a reset, while acknowledging the unlikelihood of achieving a daily active user count of 1 billion.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
Overwatch escapes "Mostly Negative" Steam reviews 3 years after becoming the worst-rated game on Valve's store: "In 2026, we finally got back to just Overwatch"Overwatch has seen its Steam review rating improve from "Mostly Negative" to "Mixed" after three years. This shift is attributed to a recent influx of positive player feedback, with some reviews praising new characters, battle pass value, and cosmetic offerings, despite ongoing criticisms regarding microtransactions and past disappointments.
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 cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead LabsMicrosoft has initiated a significant restructure of its Xbox division, eliminating 3,200 jobs and parting ways with four studios: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the cuts are necessary due to underperforming bets on Xbox Game Pass and multiplatform releases, as well as a severe hardware crisis impacting component prices. The company aims to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and foster a more efficient development environment.
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.
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.
WoW server suffers outbreak after a debuff breaches containment, giving me flashbacks to a 21-year-old incident so large…A debuff called Withering Contagion from the Dragonflight expansion of World of Warcraft unexpectedly spread through the Moon Guard US server's capital cities, causing widespread player deaths and drawing comparisons to the 2005 Corrupted Blood incident. Blizzard Entertainment has since hotfixed the bug, but the event highlights emergent sandbox gameplay possibilities in MMOs.
World of Warcraft patch 12.1 finally lets you put Pepe in your houseWorld of Warcraft patch 12.1 will allow players to place the popular Pepe cosmetic item in their player housing. Players can purchase the 'Mechanically Indistinguishable Pepe' for Community Coupons from new vendors. This update also allows Pepe to perch on the player's head, providing a buff for an hour.- World of Warcraft patch 12.1 finally lets you put Pepe in your houseWorld of Warcraft patch 12.1 introduces the ability for players to place the popular Pepe cosmetic item in their player housing. This update allows Pepe to perch in designated areas within player homes or accompany players with a buff. The 'Mechanically Indistinguishable Pepe' item can be purchased with Community Coupons.
- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
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.
Overwatch's Steam reviews creep up to "mixed" as playercount surgesOverwatch is experiencing a surge in player count on Steam, with recent reviews improving to a "mixed" status after previously being "mostly negative." Despite new content and collaborations, player criticism largely targets Blizzard Entertainment's aggressive microtransaction pricing, with some bundles costing up to $100.
Boss themes, sagas, and Goblin Jazz: How World of Warcraft's music reflects a shifting AzerothBlizzard Entertainment's music team discusses the evolution of World of Warcraft's soundtrack, from its early ambient roots to the thematic depth of the current Worldsoul Saga. Lead Composer Leo Kaliski, Music Director Derek Duke, and Principal Producer Charlotte Pyle highlight how music has become integral to the MMORPG's narrative and player experience, balancing nostalgia with innovation, including experimental pieces like the Goblin Jazz album.
This little orb's going to be sitting on my minimap for the rest of WoW's current expansion, and I…The author analyzes World of Warcraft's latest borrowed power system, the Omnium Folio, finding it to be an uninspired and bland addition. Despite its optional nature, the system's lack of interactivity and visible impact makes it feel like a mandatory chore rather than a satisfying progression mechanic.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.