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"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were impacted by recent layoffs at Xbox, which saw 3,200 positions eliminated and five studios divested. The CWA is pursuing legal and contractual actions to protect affected workers, including bargaining for severance and recall rights. Union leaders criticized Microsoft's treatment of employees and expressed disappointment with slow progress on contract negotiations, while Xbox leadership cited strategic overextension as a reason for the cuts.
'Used, abused, and discarded:' CWA Canada slams Microsoft over handling of Bethesda layoffs
CWA Canada has criticized Microsoft and Bethesda Game Studios over recent layoffs affecting unionized employees at Bethesda Game Studios Montreal. Union president Carmel Smyth stated that around a dozen employees, some with up to a decade of service, were informed of their termination via a brief video call. The union plans to pursue bargaining for severance, internal placement, and recall rights for affected workers.
The Elder Scrolls 6 will be lucky to be out by 2028 says insider
An insider claims that The Elder Scrolls 6, announced in 2018, is still at least two to three years away and may not launch until 2028 or later, partly due to recent Xbox layoffs impacting Bethesda Game Studios. This potential 10-year development cycle from announcement to release highlights management issues and a significant gap since the last main installment, Skyrim.
Microsoft Reportedly Plans to Make More of Its Best Games Console Exclusive So People Have a Reason to Buy an Xbox — So What Could Skip PlayStation?
Microsoft is reportedly planning to increase console exclusivity for its top-tier games to drive Xbox hardware sales. This strategy raises questions about which major titles might bypass the PlayStation platform in the future.
Expansionen Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations är ute och får fina omdömen
The expansion Revelations for Doom: The Dark Ages has been released, featuring the Doom Slayer in a frozen purgatory with a new Chain Spear weapon. id Software promises more challenging puzzles, new demons, and an updated Ripatorium combat arena. Early Steam reviews are "Very Positive," praising the music and story, despite recent Microsoft layoffs impacting development teams.
Evening Reading - July 7, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including IO Interactive regaining ownership of Project Fantasy and announcing layoffs, PlayStation facing complaints about its disc controversy, and updates on Marvel Rivals and Guilty Gear Strive. The article also highlights indie game Cosmodrill and discusses the broader gaming industry landscape.
Business and Finance
Senator Bernie Sanders has expressed concern over recent layoffs within the gaming industry, particularly those affecting Xbox. Meanwhile, GameStop stockholders approved proposals at their annual meeting, including increased share authorization, as the video game industry faces ongoing challenges.
All Access
Xbox has conducted layoffs impacting its accessibility leadership team, raising concerns about Microsoft's ongoing commitment to accessibility initiatives. The article questions the future of these efforts following the staff reductions.
Xbox Layoffs Includes Backwards Compatibility Program and Cloud Gaming Lead
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting key figures like Kevin LaChapelle, vice president of Xbox Platform, who oversaw cloud gaming and the Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program. This move raises concerns about the future of game preservation and backwards compatibility efforts within the company, following earlier announcements of ending the program and then forming a new team for it. The layoffs also affected several studios, including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is Still Two or More Years Away – Rumor
According to journalist Jason Schreier, The Elder Scrolls 6 is still at least two years away from release. Bethesda and Microsoft have remained silent on official details, though Todd Howard described it as their biggest current project. Development is reportedly progressing well, with most of Bethesda's staff focused on the highly anticipated RPG.
Games Inbox: Will Sony do a U-turn on PS5 discs?
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to digital-only for the PlayStation 5, with speculation that Rockstar Games' desire for full profits from Grand Theft Auto 6 might be a factor. The article also touches on layoffs at id Software and the business strategies of Microsoft and Xbox, questioning their long-term viability.
Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: 'There’s really no one left and no…
A former content designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Andrew Young, expressed anger and sadness over recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, which reportedly cut the team in half. Young lamented the loss of dedicated staff and the impact on the game's future development, noting that key figures like game director Matt Firor had previously departed due to earlier Microsoft layoffs. Community manager Jessica Folsom confirmed that roadmaps would be shifting due to the cuts.
Xbox layoffs hit accessibility leadership, calling into question Microsoft's continued commitment to accessibility…
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting leadership roles in accessibility and raising concerns about the company's commitment to inclusive gaming initiatives. Despite assurances from Microsoft that accessibility remains a priority, the departure of key personnel involved in projects like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and accessibility training programs casts doubt on future efforts.
Bernie Sanders is mad about the Xbox layoffs
US Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized Microsoft and Xbox following recent layoffs, highlighting the company's significant profits and executive compensation. Sanders argued that corporate tax breaks do not create jobs and that the layoffs, coupled with a price increase for Xbox, demonstrate a flawed economic system. The article also references Sanders' past criticism of Bobby Kotick and the FTC's opposition to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Some Of The Most Impressive Gaming Tech Ever Wasn’t Enough To Save Devs From Xbox Cuts
Microsoft'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.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma points the finger at Phil Spencer's strategy for yesterday's sweeping layoffs: 'We…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has attributed recent sweeping layoffs and studio spinoffs to the previous strategy under Phil Spencer, stating that "we spread ourselves too thin" by making too many bets and not focusing on the core business. Sharma believes a return to a more conventional, console-focused approach is necessary for Xbox's health, despite rising hardware costs and potential customer debt from new financing models.
Microsoft Spent $80 Billion On Its Bet For Xbox Game Pass. It Did Not Work.
A report indicates Microsoft spent nearly $80 billion over the past decade on initiatives to boost Xbox and Xbox Game Pass, but these efforts did not meet growth expectations. Despite significant investments in acquisitions and third-party deals, Game Pass subscriber numbers have stagnated, leading to recent layoffs and studio divestitures as Microsoft aims to refocus its strategy.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of Nexon
Blizzard Entertainment is transferring publishing duties for Overwatch in Korea to Nexon, with a new PC service set to launch on August 12. This move comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, including layoffs and studio divestitures. Nexon aims to enhance the Overwatch experience through hyperlocalization and advanced live operations.
There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or Xbox
The author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.
Id Software veteran of over 20 years absolutely rips and tears into Microsoft after devastating layoffs: "XBOX decided half the team was no longer needed"
Long-time id Software developer Michael Maynard expressed his anger and sadness following significant layoffs at the studio, which he states impacted roughly half the team. Maynard, who had been with id Software for over 20 years, criticized Microsoft and Xbox for the decision, highlighting the loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the studio's legacy. The article also briefly mentions Sony and Bungie's recent workforce reductions and John Romero's support for the affected developers.
