Compulsion Games
Compulsion Games business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Xbox announces a further 268 layoffs as Ninja Theory and Arkane remain on shaky ground
Xbox announced 268 additional layoffs, impacting studios like Halo Studios and XGS management, following a larger restructure initiated by CEO Asha Sharma. Ninja Theory faces potential closure as two acquisition agreements fell through, while Arkane Studios is still under consultation. This latest round of job cuts brings Xbox closer to its planned total of 3,200 redundancies.
Xbox’s Second Wave Of Planned Layoffs Is Reportedly Starting As Studios Face Major Restructuring
Xbox is reportedly initiating a second wave of layoffs, affecting approximately 1,600 employees, as part of a major restructuring of its gaming division. This initiative, led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, aims to make the division more profitable and involves consolidating studios and potentially moving franchises like Halo to Activision Blizzard. Several first-party studios have also recently become independent or been sold off.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
Xbox reportedly set to announce second round of layoffs this week
Xbox is reportedly preparing for a second round of layoffs this week as part of an ongoing restructuring that includes consolidating several of its game studios. This follows an earlier round of 1,600 redundancies and the divestment of five studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited spreading resources too thin and fragmentation as reasons for the changes, aiming for future growth.
Hellblade Studio Potentially Shutting Down After Prior Agreements Fall Through
Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, is reportedly facing closure after two separation agreements with Xbox fell through. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty confirmed that the company is consulting with employees on a proposed closure while exploring other options. This news comes amidst broader studio reorganizations within Xbox, affecting other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions.
"They've watched so many people lose their jobs, that has an impact" – Managing morale in the wake of layoffs
The video game industry is facing a significant morale crisis due to widespread layoffs, impacting both those who lose their jobs and those who remain. Experts emphasize the need for companies to rebuild trust through honesty and consistent action, rather than manufactured excitement. Maintaining employee morale and development is crucial, especially for HR departments dealing with the emotional toll and increased workload.
Double Fine's first game since leaving Xbox is a comedy bus-driving sim called Thank You Bus Driver
Double Fine has announced its first game since becoming independent from Xbox: Thank You Bus Driver, a comedy simulation game where players act as a reckless bus driver. The game is available for pre-order on Steam and GOG. This announcement follows Xbox's restructuring, which saw Double Fine and Compulsion Games regain independence, though Double Fine also underwent layoffs.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is "not going to shoot my dog," says now-independent Double Fine boss Tim Schafer, who initially opposed Microsoft ownership because "you guys love closing studios"
Double Fine has regained its independence from Microsoft, with founder Tim Schafer expressing relief that new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is not planning to close studios. Schafer initially opposed the acquisition due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, but found the experience under Phil Spencer and Matt Booty to be largely positive until recent leadership changes. The studio announced its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, shortly after regaining independence, though it also had to lay off 23 employees.
Double Fine Productions regains ownership of IP and publishing rights following independence from Xbox
Double Fine Productions has regained ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights following its separation from Xbox. The studio also announced its fifth Amnesia Fortnight event, a game jam where employees create prototypes, with this year's iteration launching on August 31 and featuring a Kickstarter campaign for one of the developed ideas. This move comes after Double Fine and Compulsion Games were spun out of Xbox Game Studios amidst recent layoffs.
Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight
Compulsion Games has completed a management buyout, regaining ownership of its intellectual property from Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios. This separation allows Compulsion to retain a larger share of revenue from games like South of Midnight, which received an 83% review score. The studio, also known for We Happy Few and Contrast, is now independent after rumors of closure following recent layoffs.
Double Fine confirms it owns all its games' IP and publishing rights after Xbox split
Double Fine has confirmed it retains ownership of the intellectual property and publishing rights for all its games following its split from Xbox. CEO Tim Schafer stated that while some games are still processing, buying their titles directly supports the studio. The company also plans to revive its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as a Kickstarter campaign.
Compulsion Games Is Now Officially An Ex-Xbox Studio
Compulsion Games has officially separated from Microsoft and is no longer an Xbox studio. The studio's management team acquired the company, and Microsoft transferred intellectual property rights, including for 'South of Midnight,' back to Compulsion. This move allows Compulsion to retain its staff and pursue its future projects independently, with plans to secure new financial backing.
Compulsion Games är nu återigen självständiga
Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, has officially become independent after being acquired by Xbox. The studio has bought itself back, regaining full control over its intellectual property and will now self-publish its titles. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed the team's desire to remain together and continue development on a new title.
IGN Entertainment brings Women In Gaming networking event to Gamescom
IGN Entertainment is hosting a Women in Gaming networking breakfast at Gamescom, supported by GamesIndustry.biz, to foster industry connections. Separately, Compulsion Games has become independent from Xbox, regaining ownership of its intellectual properties including Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight, with CEO Guillaume Provost prioritizing the team's unity and future profitability.
Compulsion Games officially separates from Xbox – "The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline than be split up"
Compulsion Games has officially become independent from Xbox, with CEO Guillaume Provost leading a management buyout that returns ownership of the studio and its intellectual properties to the team. Provost emphasized the decision was made to keep the team together, especially after recent layoffs at Xbox. The studio, known for games like We Happy Few, is now focused on securing stable funding and self-sustainability while exploring new partnerships.
EA staff worries over Saudi buyout, Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, and Peak's last major update - Patch Notes #66
This article covers several gaming industry developments, including employee concerns at Electronic Arts following a Saudi buyout, ongoing leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6, and the final update for the game Peak. It also touches on FromSoftware's new game The Duskbloods, Compulsion Games' management buyout from Xbox, PlayStation's struggles with live-service games, and the use of AI in game development.
“We’re going to take things slow": South of Midnight devs now own the rights to all their games again, after quitting Xbox, and are working on a new game
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, has completed a management buyout and regained the publishing rights to all its original intellectual properties after parting ways with Microsoft and Xbox. CEO Guillaume Provost stated the team prioritized staying together, and while the transition will take time for platforms beyond Steam, Microsoft provided financial assistance for their independent careers. The studio is now working on an unannounced project and plans to proceed cautiously.
Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of unionized video game workers rallied across North America to protest recent layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and allies gathered to call out corporate greed and demand fair contracts, citing multiple rounds of job cuts impacting studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 3,200 job eliminations, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, leading to legal action from the CWA against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of the cuts.
Evening Reading - August 14, 2026
This week's gaming news roundup includes updates on Total War: Warhammer 3, a review of Madden NFL 27, and the opening of 2K's Small Axe Studios. Compulsion Games has removed Xbox as the publisher for South of Midnight on Steam, while Kingdom Hearts 4 is slated for a late 2027 release with an animated series coming to Disney+. The article also highlights new features for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch and mentions upcoming content for Modern Warfare 4.
