MachineGames
MachineGames business and news from across the web.- Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox 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.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be bothFormer PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
id Software Now Has “Roughly the Same” Number of Workers as When it Made DOOM (2016) – RumorReports suggest id Software's current workforce is similar to when it developed DOOM (2016), despite rumors of significant layoffs impacting its engine development and QA teams. Microsoft confirmed that dozens of employees work on the id Tech engine across multiple locations, refuting claims of a drastically reduced headcount. The studio will continue to use its proprietary id Tech engine, with no plans from Xbox to switch to Unreal Engine.
id Tech is Still Part of Xbox’s Future Despite Layoffs – RumorDespite recent layoffs at id Software, the id Tech game engine remains a part of Xbox's future plans, according to a report. Many employees working on the engine's development were affected by the cuts. The engine is expected to be used in future projects at id Software and by MachineGames for their Wolfenstein titles.
Rather than rip and tear id Software apart, Xbox should have put the FPS pioneers on Gears of WarFollowing significant layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including a reported 50% staff reduction at id Software, the article argues that Xbox should leverage id Software's expertise for the Gears of War franchise. It suggests that id's talent for creating visceral first-person shooter experiences would be a better fit for Gears of War than continuing with their own struggling franchises like Quake Champions or Rage 2.- Some Of The Most Impressive Gaming Tech Ever Wasn’t Enough To Save Devs From Xbox CutsMicrosoft's recent layoffs at id Software have raised concerns about the future of its proprietary id Tech engine, with reports indicating a significant portion of the studio's coding talent was let go. This follows a trend of major studios, including 343 Industries and potentially MachineGames, moving away from internal engines towards Unreal Engine, potentially hindering technological innovation in the gaming industry.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself AliveXbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insiderDespite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructureBethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
Wolfenstein 3 is in the Works, Marvel’s Blade Safe as Arkane Faces Restructuring – RumorRumors suggest that Wolfenstein 3 is in development at MachineGames, which is reportedly safe following the success of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Marvel's Blade is also said to be proceeding at Arkane Studios, despite restructuring within the company. Jerk Gustafsson has been named president of Arkane, and further announcements regarding layoffs and the studio's new structure are expected.
Xbox Layoffs Won’t Stop Work on Doom, Quake and WolfensteinDespite significant layoffs impacting Xbox and its ZeniMax Media subsidiaries, work on franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ZeniMax will not be reduced to only developing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also undergoing management restructuring to streamline decision-making processes.- MachineGames is apparently working on Wolfenstein 3 and a Wolfenstein TV showMachineGames is reportedly developing Wolfenstein 3 and a Wolfenstein television series in collaboration with Amazon's Fallout TV producers. The studio is also known for its work on previous Wolfenstein titles, which have been released on Nintendo platforms.
- Wolfenstein 3 Is Reportedly In Production As Microsoft Looks To Invest In MachineGamesWolfenstein 3 is reportedly in production at MachineGames, with Microsoft looking to invest in the studio. The article also hints at a potential Wolfenstein television series and mentions leadership changes at both MachineGames and Arkane Studios.
As major Xbox shake-ups loom, former Wolfenstein studio head is now seemingly in charge of Marvel's Blade developer…Jerk Gustafsson, former co-founder and studio head of MachineGames, has seemingly taken over leadership of Arkane Lyon, the developer of Marvel's Blade. This change occurs amidst broader shake-ups at Xbox subsidiaries, with Arkane Lyon reportedly facing potential closure. The leadership shift, officially noted on June 30, suggests a potential restructuring for the studio.
Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle On Switch 2 Gets A Small Hotfix PatchMachineGames has released a hotfix patch for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Nintendo Switch 2, addressing stability issues and player-reported bugs. The update also includes fixes for the ragdoll system and stutters across all platforms. The game was previously reviewed positively for its compelling exploration and story.
"Nobody's making games for the retired people" – The growing yet underserved market for grey gamersThe video game industry is largely overlooking the growing market of older players, often referred to as 'grey gamers.' Despite an aging global population and increasing numbers of individuals over 40, 50, and 60 playing games, developers are slow to cater to this demographic, who possess disposable income and long-term gaming literacy. Experts suggest a shift in industry mindset is needed to capture this substantial and expanding market, which is currently underserved by game design and marketing efforts.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (30th May)Several Nintendo Life staff members share their weekend gaming plans, with titles like Mina The Hollower, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Star Fox 64 being prominent. Recent news includes Dragon Quest announcements, a Resident Evil 4 demo, and new mobile app and NSO additions.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review for Nintendo Switch 2Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers a compelling first-person adventure on the Nintendo Switch 2, praised for its immersive environments and faithful adaptation of the franchise's spirit. While the port features impressive visual details and ray tracing, it suffers from noticeable frame rate drops in docked mode and occasional technical issues, though these do not detract significantly from the overall high-quality experience.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th May)This weekend's gaming plans include playing Sektori, Aliens: Fireteam Elite on PlayStation 5, and revisiting classics like Pokémon Blue and Yellow. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is highlighted as a standout release, with several staff members planning to play it. The article also notes a Nintendo Switch bundle announcement and a slight delay for The Legend of Zelda movie.