Double Fine Productions
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Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo
Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, cutting 268 employees and reorganizing several studios. Activision will now oversee the development of the next Halo game, while Obsidian Entertainment is being merged into Bethesda. Other studios like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also being formally merged.
Xbox's consolidation plans might mean you get a new Halo sooner, but history shows production line development makes for boring games
Xbox's strategy of consolidating studios and pushing for more frequent releases, exemplified by the Activision Blizzard acquisition and changes to the Halo team, risks creating a future of formulaic and uninspired games. The author argues that while such consolidation might seem efficient, history shows that annual releases and a focus on existing franchises often stifle creativity and lead to a homogenization of game design, potentially resulting in a less exciting gaming landscape.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
Xbox continues 'reset' with Halo Studios layoffs and Undead Labs divestment
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 employees from various first-party studios including Halo Studios. This is part of a larger restructuring plan that has already seen divestments of studios like Undead Labs and Compulsion Games, and the proposed closure of Ninja Theory. Xbox is also consolidating internal studios and shifting development responsibilities, with Activision now set to develop the next Halo title.
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.
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.
Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine lays off majority of staff, risks closure
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off the majority of its staff after a publisher rescinded funding for an unannounced title. Studio founder Alx Preston described the situation as devastating and expressed uncertainty about the studio's future survival amidst a challenging industry for smaller developers.
Shinji Mikami to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame later this week
Shinji Mikami, the acclaimed creator of Resident Evil, will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Over his 30-year career, Mikami has also contributed to titles like Devil May Cry and The Evil Within, and currently leads Unbound Inc. The induction ceremony will take place during the 30th anniversary of the D.I.C.E. Awards.
Thank You Bus Driver is all the 'Crazy' minus the 'Taxi'
Thank You Bus Driver, the first game under Double Fine Action Labs, offers chaotic bus driving gameplay with a unique black-and-white art style. Players must pick up passengers, enforce rules, and navigate a city map, all while dealing with unexpected obstacles. The game is set to release on PC on October 14.
'I Really Want Game Pass to Work' — After Navigating the Xbox 'Reset,' Double Fine Boss Tim Schafer Is Indie Once Again
Following a period of restructuring at Xbox, Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, discusses his return to an independent development path. In an interview with IGN, Schafer shared his thoughts on the future of the studio.
Quiz: Hur bra är du på att överleva?
This article celebrates the release of Valheim 1.0 with a quiz testing players' knowledge of survival and crafting games. It asks how well users can gather resources, build bases, and stay alive, highlighting common pitfalls in the genre. The quiz requires users to log in to participate.
Tim Schafer says Double Fine's unique games can be commercial hits if they can find their audience
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, believes the studio's unique games have mass market appeal and can be commercial hits if they find the right audience. Despite recent titles like Keeper and Kiln not being profitable, Schafer argues against the 'arthouse' label and emphasizes the importance of creative freedom for the team's survival and motivation.
Tim Schafer: "No one puts Double Fine out of business except me"
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, discussed the studio's efforts to regain independence from Microsoft following significant layoffs. He stated that the studio's mission changed after new leadership took over at Xbox, leading to the decision to part ways. Schafer emphasized the importance of creative problem-solving and keeping the team alive amidst industry challenges.
Double Fine's first game post-Xbox split is a goofy bus driving sim all about slapping passengers who don't follow the rules and doing a good job
Double Fine Productions, now independent after splitting from Xbox, has announced its first post-Xbox game, Thank You Bus Driver. This silly job simulator tasks players with driving passengers while enforcing rules, including slapping rule-breakers, all within a time limit. The studio also announced a game jam Kickstarter with Brutal Legend 2 as a high-tier stretch goal.
Double Fine Flexes Its Independence With Price Cuts And A New PS5 Release
Newly independent Double Fine Productions has announced a surprise PlayStation 5 release for its game Keeper, along with a price cut for both Keeper and Kiln. The studio also revived its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and is crowdfunding its next title, with a stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2.
