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Undead Labs makes 'significant' layoffs after splitting from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind the State of Decay franchise, has become an independent, employee-owned company after divesting from Xbox. This separation has resulted in significant layoffs, impacting employees who worked on State of Decay 3. The studio plans to work with a new publisher for the game's release, which will still launch day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Gears of War: E-Day director laid off days after completing development as Xbox cuts reach The Coalition
Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, has been laid off by Microsoft as part of its ongoing job cuts. This news comes just days after Vaca celebrated the game going gold, and it follows a larger wave of redundancies across Xbox studios, including Halo Studios. The reasons for Vaca's dismissal, particularly so close to the game's October 2026 release, remain unclear.
Halo Studios cinematic director promoted, then laid off in the same week
Xbox cinematic director Josh Daniels was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of Microsoft's ongoing series of layoffs affecting 1,600 employees. This situation highlights the current instability within the video game industry, where even promotions do not guarantee job security.
State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs lay off "a significant number" of "exceptionally talented developers" after gaining independence from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has laid off a significant number of employees shortly after becoming independent from Xbox. This move follows a trend of layoffs across the industry and within Microsoft-owned studios, impacting other developers like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio managing the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half its staff due to Microsoft's Xbox consolidation and layoffs. A new game project was also allegedly cancelled as part of these changes, which are part of a wider 'reset' of Microsoft's games business.
Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch
Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.
Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs
Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs goes independent after Xbox restructuring, but lays off "a significant number" of the team in doing so
Undead Labs, the developer of the State of Decay series, has become an independent, worker-owned studio after being acquired by Microsoft in 2018. This transition comes with significant layoffs, with the studio stating "a significant number" of staff are departing. Despite the restructuring, development on State of Decay 3 continues for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with a closed beta planned before the end of the year and a 2027 release target.
Undead Labs confirms it is now an "employee-owned studio"
Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay, has announced its separation from Xbox and is now operating as an employee-owned studio. Development on State of Decay 3 continues, with a planned release in 2027 for Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation. This transition occurs amidst broader layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox Layoffs: 268 Employees Affected in Latest Restructuring — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, impacting 268 employees. While studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs are safe and continuing work on titles like State of Decay 3, Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon face potential closure. The article suggests Microsoft grew too quickly and its investment in Xbox Game Pass is now contributing to these cutbacks.
Games Inbox: Are you still an Xbox fan?
Readers express deep concern over recent layoffs at Xbox and the perceived decline of the brand's relevance and developer support. While some praise Capcom's successful year and positive employee treatment, others question Microsoft's strategy and the future of its studios.
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.
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?
Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.
Gears of War: E-Day’s Story Director Juan Vaca is Among Those Affected by Xbox’s Latest Layoffs
Xbox has conducted another round of layoffs, affecting numerous employees across Xbox Game Studios, including Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day. Vaca confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, stating he is seeking new opportunities. The news comes shortly before the game's scheduled October 6th release on PC and Xbox Series X/S, though The Coalition has stated the game is on track and has gone gold.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
PS6, Project Helix Chips Have Been “Taped Out”, Remain On Schedule for Late 2027 Launch – Rumor
A new report suggests that Sony's PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, are on schedule for a late 2027 launch. Both consoles' chips have reportedly been 'taped out,' indicating finalized designs. The PlayStation 6 is rumored to offer significantly more raw power and faster ray tracing and AI capabilities compared to the PlayStation 5.
Blizzard confirms StarCraft "won't be exclusive" to Xbox and refuses to elaborate
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that the upcoming StarCraft game will not be exclusive to Xbox platforms. While the exact platforms remain undisclosed, a spokesperson stated that referring to it as an "Xbox-exclusive" would be incorrect. This decision comes after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and despite Xbox's stated strategy of prioritizing exclusive titles for platform growth.
Halo cinematic director "promoted and laid off in the same week" as Microsoft continues sweeping Xbox layoffs
Microsoft continues its significant layoffs across Xbox, impacting studios like Halo Studios, Ninja Theory, and Arkane. Former Halo Studios cinematic director Josh Daniels reported being promoted and laid off in the same week. Xbox CCO Matt Booty stated these cuts are part of a larger restructuring plan that will eliminate 3,200 employees in total.
StarCraft Doesn’t Sound Like An Xbox Exclusive
Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming StarCraft shooter will not be an Xbox exclusive, though the exact platforms remain unclear. While Blizzard stated it's incorrect to call it an Xbox exclusive, they did not confirm PlayStation availability beyond PC. This announcement comes amidst Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a recent shift by Xbox towards console exclusives for some of its franchises.
Studio Behind PS3, PS4 Games on the Verge of Closure
Microsoft's Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and DmC: Devil May Cry, is reportedly on the verge of closure. An internal memo from Xbox CCO Matt Booty indicates that negotiations have fallen through, and the company will begin consultations with employees regarding a proposed closure, despite exploring other potential paths forward. This comes as part of a wider restructuring at Microsoft that includes significant job cuts.
