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Xbox Veteran Who Just Got Promoted Under Asha Sharma Promptly Leaves Amid Mysterious Circumstances
Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer, Helen Chiang, has departed the company shortly after her promotion under CEO Asha Sharma. While the exact reasons remain unclear, sources suggest termination for policy violations. Chiang had a 20-year tenure at Microsoft, playing a role in Xbox Live and Mojang. Her exit follows a period of poor performance for Xbox hardware and services.
Microsoft extends deadline to "explore options" for Dishonored studio Arkane's future as the team…
Microsoft has extended the deadline for discussions regarding the future of Arkane Studios, the developer behind Dishonored and Marvel's Blade. French labor laws require Microsoft to explore alternatives to layoffs for studios with over 1,000 employees, leading to negotiations about potential partnerships or sales.
Microsoft extends consultation period for Arkane Lyon as it continues development on Marvel's Blade
Microsoft has extended the consultation period for Arkane Lyon by one month as it seeks a new buyer for the studio, while development on Marvel's Blade continues. Trade unions report that negotiations on the redundancy plan are not going well, with concerns raised about the contradiction between the company's financial situation and the divestiture. Microsoft is exploring options and seeking a partner for Arkane Lyon's next phase.
Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer
Microsoft is exploring options to find a partner to support Arkane Lyon during the development of Marvel's Blade and has extended the deadline to find a buyer for the studio. This indicates potential financial or strategic difficulties for the studio.
Microsoft Gives Arkane Lyon Another Month to Find a Way Forward
Arkane Lyon is facing potential closure following Microsoft's announcement, but French law provides a three-month window to find a buyer. Despite reported financial issues, the studio continues development on Marvel's Blade, with possibilities for a rescue.
Games Inbox: What is the point of next gen consoles?
Readers debate the necessity and value of next-generation consoles, questioning their technological advancements and market impact. Other topics include the enjoyment and flaws of Onimusha: Warlords, the potential of Yoshi And The Mysterious Book, and the unsustainable business models of North American game development.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for BioWare
Electronic Arts has officially shut down the legendary studio BioWare, laying off 400 employees in the process. This move has been met with significant criticism, highlighting concerns about venture capital and corporate practices in the gaming industry. Several other MMOs and studios also saw news this week, including updates on MapleStory Classic World, Chronicles of Elyria, and the closure of Zenith.
Arkane Lyon’s Deadline to Find a New Buyer Has Been Pushed Back to December 13th
Microsoft has extended the deadline for Arkane Lyon to find a new buyer to December 13th, allowing the studio to continue development on Marvel's Blade. This decision comes amidst wider Xbox cost-cutting measures, including significant job cuts and the divestiture of other studios, which have led to anger and concern among employees and union representatives.
Motion controls are great and games should use them more - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that motion controls are a valuable and underutilized input method in modern gaming. They highlight Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and the original Wii Sports as examples of successful family-friendly motion control games, contrasting this with Sony and Microsoft's lack of focus on such experiences. The author believes motion controls, when implemented well, can broaden gaming's appeal and improve accessibility for a wider audience.
Arkane Lyon Has “Multiple Paths Actively Being Explored” to Stay Afloat – Rumor
A report suggests Arkane Lyon is exploring multiple options to avoid closure, with "positive news" indicating a low likelihood of the studio being shut down by Xbox. This comes amid industry-wide layoffs and high costs associated with closing studios in France, particularly concerning the development of Marvel's Blade.
Xbox Chief Operating Officer Departs After 3 Months
Helen Chiang has departed from her role as Xbox chief operating officer after only three months. Her departure follows a 21-year tenure at Microsoft, during which she was involved with titles like Minecraft and led Mojang. This exit is part of a broader trend of leadership changes and layoffs within Xbox.
Top Xbox exec promoted in brand 'reset' leaves after 3 months in role
Xbox Chief Operating Officer Helen Chiang has departed the company after only three months in the role, a position created as part of a controversial brand "reset" by CEO Asha Sharma. Sharma announced the departure in an internal memo without explanation, while Microsoft offered a boilerplate statement. An anonymous source suggested Chiang was terminated for policy violations, adding to the instability and uncertainty surrounding Xbox's leadership.
Stalker 2's next update has already leaked
Details for an unannounced update, version 2.1 called 'The Zone Lookout', for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl have reportedly leaked via PlayStation Asia's social media. The update, expected next week, is said to include increased A-Life NPC visualization range, combat adjustments, and fast travel with squad leaders. This follows the release of update 2.0 and the Cost of Hope expansion in August.
Xbox's first chief operating officer Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft just three months into the job
Helen Chiang, Xbox's first chief operating officer, has departed Microsoft just three months after assuming the role. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the news in an internal memo, citing Chiang's 21 years of service but offering no specific reason for her departure. This move comes amidst a significant restructuring within Xbox that included layoffs and studios becoming independent.
Lost Odyssey - Final Fantasy-spelet som inte är Final Fantasy
This article analyzes Microsoft's attempt to break into the Japanese RPG market with Lost Odyssey, developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi's studio Mistwalker. Despite its quality and traditional JRPG elements, the game underperformed in Japan due to poor marketing and Microsoft's overall struggles in the region, ultimately failing to launch a new series.
Xbox COO and ex-Minecraft boss leaves Microsoft after just 3 months in the role
Helen Chiang, former head of Minecraft and the first COO of Xbox, has departed Microsoft after 21 years. Her exit follows significant layoffs within the Xbox division as part of a broader restructuring plan. Responsibilities for her role will be distributed among other Xbox leaders.
Xbox's Helen Chiang exits after 21 years, but only 3 months as COO
Helen Chiang has departed Xbox after over 21 years with Microsoft, having recently been appointed as Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer just three months prior. Chiang previously led the Minecraft division for over a decade. No specific reason was given for her departure, and Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that the future of the COO position would be announced later.
Why private equity acquisitions like the one that just claimed BioWare are so dreaded
The closure of BioWare and subsequent layoffs at Electronic Arts highlight the detrimental impact of private equity acquisitions on game studios. This article details how leveraged buyouts, often involving significant debt and aggressive profit extraction strategies, can lead to the demise of companies and widespread job losses, even when the acquired entities have strong intellectual property.
Xbox Loses Its First Chief Operating Officer After Several Months
Helen Chiang, the first Chief Operating Officer of Xbox, is departing Microsoft after 21 years with the company. The position of COO was created in July, and Chiang was the first to hold the role.
Time could be running out for Arkane
Arkane Lyon is reportedly facing potential closure by Microsoft by November 13, following a month-long extension to find a buyer. This comes after Xbox laid off thousands of employees and shut down Ninja Theory. While Microsoft states the closure documents are part of a required consultation process, the studio's future remains uncertain as it continues development on Marvel's Blade.
