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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.
Forza series studios Turn 10 & Playground Games to merge following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios and Forza Horizon/Fable developer Playground Games are merging into a single entity. Both studios will continue to work on their respective franchises and the upcoming Fable game. This organizational change was announced by Xbox Chief Content Officer Phil Spencer.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Xbox’s Forza Studios Have Been Tag-Teaming For Years. Now They’re Becoming One
Microsoft's Xbox division is merging its Forza developers, Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, into a single entity after years of collaboration. This move formalizes their partnership, with both studios having a long history of developing titles in the Forza series and other franchises like Fable. The announcement comes amidst broader job cuts within Xbox, raising concerns about potential layoffs at the newly merged studio.
State Of Decay 3 Lives On, And Is Still Coming To Game Pass
Microsoft has confirmed that Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, has reached an agreement with a new publisher, ensuring the game's continued development. The title will still launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass when it is ready. This news follows a period of studio reshuffles within Microsoft Game Studios, with several other studios also finding new publishing arrangements.
Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo
Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, cutting 268 employees and reorganizing several studios. Activision will now oversee the development of the next Halo game, while Obsidian Entertainment is being merged into Bethesda. Other studios like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also being formally merged.
Xbox confirms layoffs of 268 across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios & more
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting 268 positions across various first-party studios including Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios. The company is also beginning consultations for the potential closure of Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade series. These changes are part of broader organizational restructuring that will see studios like Turn 10 and Playground Games merged.
Xbox lay off 268 people as Activision take over Halo and Rare, while Obsidian become part of Bethesda, plus Forza and Fable studios merge
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and restructuring several studios. Activision is taking over the Halo franchise, while Rare and World's Edge are folded under its umbrella. Obsidian Entertainment is now part of Bethesda, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have merged. Ninja Theory is facing potential closure, and the future of Arkane Studios remains uncertain.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
Xbox continues 'reset' with Halo Studios layoffs and Undead Labs divestment
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 employees from various first-party studios including Halo Studios. This is part of a larger restructuring plan that has already seen divestments of studios like Undead Labs and Compulsion Games, and the proposed closure of Ninja Theory. Xbox is also consolidating internal studios and shifting development responsibilities, with Activision now set to develop the next Halo title.
All The Major Xbox Changes Microsoft Announced Today: Layoffs, Halo Goes To Activision, And Lots More
Microsoft announced significant restructuring within its Xbox division, including 268 layoffs affecting various first-party studios like Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while Bethesda expands to oversee Obsidian Entertainment. Several studios face potential closure or consolidation, such as Ninja Theory and the merging of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Fable “Was All We Could Think About,” Says Playground Co-Founder After Xbox Proposed New Title
Playground Games co-founder Ralph Fulton explains the studio's decision to develop Fable, a fantasy action RPG, despite their success with the racing series Forza Horizon. Fulton states that the opportunity to work on Fable was compelling and that the team leveraged transferable skills from open-world design. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
After Forza Horizon, Fable devs wanted to prove "we could cut it in a different genre," lead says: "There…
Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, is developing the upcoming Fable title, aiming to prove their capability in a different genre. Studio co-founder Ralph Fulton highlighted that the open-world nature of Fable allows them to leverage transferable skills from their racing game experience. The team's passion for the Fable franchise was a significant factor in their decision to take on the project.
Fable lead says "every single member of the team is first and foremost" a fan of the original RPG trilogy
Fable game director Ralph Fulton stated that every member of the development team at Playground Games is a fan of the original Fable RPG trilogy. He emphasized that many joined the studio specifically to revive the beloved franchise, indicating a deep reverence for the series' legacy. Fulton also mentioned that the game is considered vital to the Xbox platform, which has helped protect it during its long development cycle.
Fable’s Development Team is Made Up Entirely of Fans of the Original RPG Trilogy, Says Director
Fable director Ralph Fulton stated that the entire development team at Playground Games consists of fans of the original Fable trilogy, emphasizing their passion for bringing the series back. Fulton also expressed excitement for the game's story, promising memorable characters, twists, and a significant player choice at the end. The action RPG is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
