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Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
MMO Business Roundup: GTA 6 multiplayer, King employee strike, and Xbox Game Pass rumors
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy anticipates Grand Theft Auto VI multiplayer will significantly boost the platform upon its release next year. Meanwhile, Microsoft has addressed rumors about potential Xbox Game Pass changes, stating that no definitive plans have been finalized. Additionally, unionized employees at King are planning a strike due to the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement.
King workers call strike after collective agreement negotiations stall
Union workers at King, the maker of Candy Crush and a subsidiary of Microsoft, are preparing to strike on September 25, 2026, after collective agreement negotiations with the Unionen trade union stalled. The union, representing a significant portion of King's white-collar employees, seeks a collective agreement to enhance job security and workplace influence, despite the company stating its current terms are fair and competitive.
King workers to strike in Sweden following rejection of collective bargaining agreement
Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer have issued a strike notice against King after the company rejected a proposed collective bargaining agreement. If mediation fails, King employees will strike on September 25. King executives argue their current benefits package exceeds what a collective agreement would offer and that implementing one would negatively impact operations.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment employees, represented by newly formed unions, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with parent company Microsoft. The contract, lasting four to five years, includes protections for generative AI use, crediting, remote work, and layoffs, establishing a 60-day notice period for job cuts and 14 months of recall rights. Meanwhile, Activision's subsidiary King has rejected a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions.
Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Asmodee appoints Brian Trunk as senior vice president, Route to Market for the Americas
This article rounds up recent appointments and transitions within the games industry. Notable moves include Brian Trunk joining Asmodee as senior vice president, David Scarborough becoming senior manager of EMEA communications at Blizzard Entertainment, and Ilari Kuittinen stepping down as managing director of Housemarque after 31 years. Several other individuals have taken on new roles at companies like CD Projekt Red, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard.
Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Fandom expands executive leadership team
Several companies in the gaming industry have announced executive appointments and promotions. Fandom expanded its leadership team with new hires and a promotion, while The New York Times appointed Jonathan Knight as chief games officer. Scopely saw two new appointments, and other companies like Arrowhead Game Studios, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, King, CD Projekt Red, and Unity also announced new roles and promotions for their staff.
Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch's resurgence reportedly drove Blizzard to its "first back-to-back years…
Blizzard Entertainment is reportedly Xbox's top-performing studio, experiencing its first back-to-back years of growth in nearly a decade, largely driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and a resurgence in Overwatch. Blizzard President Johanna Faries indicated that the company achieved its third-highest revenue in history, with Overwatch having its strongest quarter since 2022.
EA taken private by Saudi Arabia, GTA marketing jumps the shark, and Devolver's huge mistake - Patch Notes #64
Electronic Arts has been taken private by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for $55 billion. Devolver Digital is seeking to delist from the London Stock Exchange due to the incompatibility of short-term investor demands with the volatile video game industry. Additionally, the next trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI will premiere exclusively on Netflix before a wider release.
King declines collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions
King, the developer of Candy Crush, has decided not to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. The company stated that its existing benefits and operating structure are better suited for its employees and operations in Sweden. This decision follows nearly a year of negotiations and comes despite employee interest in the security and influence a CBA could provide.
Candy Crush maker King has declined staff's collective bargaining agreement
King, a Microsoft-owned studio known for Candy Crush, has declined its staff's collective bargaining agreement after a year of negotiations with Swedish trade unions. The company cited its current benefits and operating model as reasons for the decision, stating they are better for employees and the company's operations in Sweden. Union representatives expressed disappointment but remain committed to supporting King's staff.
AI startup Reforged Labs shuts down as the "gap we were selling into is closing"
AI startup Reforged Labs, which provided generative AI technology for mobile game marketing, is shutting down after three years. Despite signing six-figure contracts with major clients like Supercell and Ubisoft, the company struggled to scale beyond the gaming sector. CEO Robert Huynh cited the closing gap in AI capabilities as a factor, leading to the decision to cease operations rather than shrink the business.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
US Federal Reserve taps Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who just laid off 3,200 employees, to lead task force on jobs
The Federal Reserve has appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to lead a task force on employment and productivity. Sharma, who recently oversaw significant layoffs at Xbox, will work alongside other experts to assess the economic impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence. This appointment comes shortly after a major reorganization within Xbox, affecting studios like Mojang and King.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
Minecraft is introducing craftable cushions and new straw beds in its latest preview build, allowing players new ways to rest. These additions come as Mojang, an Xbox-owned studio, is impacted by significant layoffs affecting numerous gaming companies.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
