Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
The makers of New Vegas are working on a new Fallout game
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, with Fallout: New Vegas lead designer Joshua Sawyer at the helm. This shift comes after the cancellation of an Avowed sequel as part of Microsoft's broader Xbox restructuring. While a small team will continue to support Avowed, the new Fallout project is now the studio's priority.
Doom devs id Software were reportedly kicking around ideas for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game, and multiplayer demonslaying prior to layoffs
Following recent layoffs at id Software, the studio was reportedly exploring ideas for new games, including a new Perfect Dark title and a John Wick-inspired action game codenamed Fury. These pitches were being considered after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, though it remains uncertain if id Software has sufficient staff to pursue these projects. Other concepts included a wild west robot survival game and further Doom multiplayer or DLC content.
‘Lies about driver support’: Valve now lets you install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine, but many people…
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Microsoft's operating system on the console-like PC. However, the article argues against this, citing potential performance degradation due to Windows 11's heavier nature compared to SteamOS, and Valve's historically poor track record with Windows driver updates for its devices.
Xbox had laid off 379 Zenimax workers in Maryland
Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off 379 employees across ZeniMax Media Inc. and ZeniMax Online Studios in Maryland. The cuts, effective September 4, 2026, impact 213 workers at The Elder Scrolls Online developer and 166 at ZeniMax Media Inc. This follows a broader trend of job reductions at Xbox, with a total of 3,200 roles being cut across the division.
Rapport: Obsidian skrotar flera projekt för att jobba på ett nytt Fallout
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly shifting focus to a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer. This pivot means a sequel to Avowed is being put on hold, with only a small team maintaining it. The studio has also undergone significant layoffs, cutting about a quarter of its staff, though development will continue on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Obsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
This Week in Switch 2 - PlayStation's physical media fiasco, Xbox layoffs & Nintendo's annual report
This Week in Switch 2 covers recent Nintendo news, PlayStation's announcement regarding physical media, and significant layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. The article also mentions a preview for Splatoon Raiders and free interactive maps for other games.
Are you excited for a new Fallout game from Obsidian? You know, given everything
Reports suggest Microsoft has tasked Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas, with leading a new Fallout RPG. This development comes amidst significant layoffs at Xbox and Obsidian, which reportedly led to the cancellation of an Avowed sequel. The situation remains fluid, but the prospect of a new Obsidian-developed Fallout game has generated mixed reactions due to the circumstances surrounding its potential creation.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
id Software Was Reportedly 'Toying With' Pitches for a New Perfect Dark, a John Wick-Inspired Game, and More Before Layoffs
id Software was reportedly exploring pitches for new projects, including a new Perfect Dark and a John Wick-inspired game, prior to recent layoffs that affected more than half of the studio's staff. Microsoft's involvement in these discussions is implied due to their ownership of id Software.
DOOM Studio Pitched New Perfect Dark, John Wick-Style Projects Before Layoffs – Rumor
Rumors suggest id Software pitched several new projects, including a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired sci-fi noir game codenamed Fury, before recent layoffs significantly impacted its staff. These proposed titles were intended to diversify beyond the DOOM franchise. The studio's future as a standalone team is now uncertain following extensive job cuts, which are part of broader layoffs at Microsoft.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Studio Says it Would Love to Make a Banjo-Kazooie Game
Toys for Bob, known for the Spyro the Dragon remakes, has expressed a strong desire to develop a new Banjo-Kazooie game, citing the franchise's timeless appeal. Studio heads Lou Studdert and Paul Yan believe their studio's expertise in 3D platformers aligns perfectly with the series. While rumors previously linked Toys for Bob to a Banjo-Kazooie project, the studio is currently developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, set for a Spring 2027 release.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Layoffs Affect 213 Employees
ZeniMax Online Studios has laid off 213 employees, a significant portion of its workforce, following Microsoft's broader layoffs impacting Xbox. This reduction has led to a shift in the content roadmap for the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. Former employees expressed disappointment and concern over the impact on the game's development and the team's well-being.
The 12 best pirate video games and how to play them right now
This article lists and discusses the 12 best pirate-themed video games available to play. It covers a range of titles from classic adventure games like The Secret of Monkey Island to modern titles such as Sea of Thieves and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, detailing their availability on various platforms and their unique pirate elements.
New Vegas devs Obsidian are reportedly working on a new Fallout game, and only Microsoft could make news I've waited half my life for taste this bitter
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly set to begin development on a new Fallout game, helmed by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer. This news comes as Microsoft recently laid off approximately a quarter of Obsidian's workforce. The article expresses mixed feelings, lamenting the circumstances under which this project is being greenlit, suggesting it's a business decision driven by Microsoft's focus on established franchises rather than purely creative desire.
Xbox just laid off a core Bethesda artist who worked on Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4 –…
Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs has impacted Bethesda, with lead character artist Christiane Meister, a 27-year veteran who worked on major titles like Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4, being let go. This move highlights significant cuts within Microsoft's gaming division, affecting core talent behind beloved franchises.
Laid-off id Software artist says Microsoft is 'nuking the team into the dirt' and is now the size of a…
Microsoft's recent layoffs have significantly impacted id Software, with 136 roles eliminated, reducing the studio to what a laid-off VFX artist describes as 'support studio size.' This downsizing has led to the elimination of entire teams, including VFX and engine programming, raising concerns about the future of the idTech engine and the studio's creative output.
Microsoft reportedly cancels Avowed sequel as Obsidian focuses on a Fallout game
Microsoft has reportedly canceled the sequel to Avowed, with developer Obsidian Entertainment now focusing on a new Fallout game. This decision comes as part of broader Xbox layoffs affecting the studio.
Bethesda union says company HR forced staff to remove a display honoring their laid-off colleagues
The Bethesda Game Studios Union reported that HR forced employees to remove a display honoring colleagues who were laid off during recent Xbox job cuts. The union stated that common areas are typically used for various displays, but HR deemed the memorial inappropriate. This incident occurred amidst significant layoffs across Microsoft's gaming division, impacting numerous long-term employees.