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Microsoft CEO says Xbox's "streamlining" is "great to see" despite cuts and layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's future and praised ongoing "streamlining" efforts led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent significant layoffs and studio closures. Nadella stated his confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games, while emphasizing the need for sustainable business models to reach more players.
Rare being controlled by Activision could actually be a good thing - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests that Activision's supervision of Rare, following Microsoft's struggles in managing the studio, could be a positive development. Despite concerns about Activision's business practices and potential for Rare to become a support studio, the author believes Activision's experience in managing developers might lead to more finished games than Microsoft's tenure.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
Rare under Activision has seen job cuts but they are working on new projects
Xbox has announced a studio reshuffle, placing the acclaimed developer Rare under Activision. This move has reportedly led to job cuts within Rare's central operations team. Despite these changes, Rare is confirmed to be working on new projects.
Games Inbox: What is the best Rare game?
Readers discuss Rare's best game, with opinions ranging from GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie to the more modern Sea of Thieves and Blast Corps. Other topics include criticism of the Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition, Microsoft's corporate strategy, and the perceived decline of Xbox first-party software.
Xbox’s “Aggressive” Revenue Goals Were “Unrealistic” Even Before Layoffs, Says id Software Dev
An id Software developer revealed that Xbox's aggressive revenue goals are considered unrealistic and contributing to ongoing chaos and layoffs within the company. Despite attempts at communication, management's vision is perceived as lacking, with a strong focus on immediate profit increases. This sentiment is shared across studios, with morale sinking due to perceived incompetence.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
It's 24 years since Xbox bought Rare and things have only got worse for everyone
This article analyzes the 24th anniversary of Microsoft's acquisition of Rare, arguing it was an ominous sign for Xbox's current struggles. The piece details Rare's history, its shift from Nintendo exclusivity to Xbox, and the subsequent decline in quality and sales, culminating in its current state under Activision and focus on Sea of Thieves.
Xbox's version of PlayStation's Platinum Trophy achievement seems to leak, and it's got a sound-effect that's 15 seconds long
Microsoft appears to be introducing a "Mythic Achievement" for Xbox, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy, which is reportedly retroactive and worth zero Gamerscore. This comes amidst significant restructuring within Xbox, including the effective closure of Halo Studios and job losses across multiple development teams like Ninja Theory and World's Edge.
Microsoft files patent for "ad-credit" system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay
Microsoft has filed a patent for an "ad-credit" system that would display advertisements during PC and Xbox gameplay by pausing the game during natural breaks like loading screens. Players would earn credits for ad-free playtime after viewing ads. This follows earlier reports of Xbox considering ads for cloud gaming and recent tests of ad-supported streaming sessions.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Age of Empires developer World's Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
The Age of Empires developer World's Edge has been significantly impacted by layoffs following its transition to Activision, with "just under half" of its employees affected. Former creative director Adam Isgreen was among those let go, expressing disappointment about the outcome of his 16-year tenure. This restructuring also saw 268 positions eliminated across various Xbox studios, leading to the closure of Ninja Theory and the independence of Undead Labs.
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.
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.
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.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Cinematics Director Says He Was Promoted Shortly Before Being Laid Off
Xbox's cinematics director for Halo: Campaign Evolved, Josh Daniels, was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of new job cuts affecting 268 workers at Halo Studios. Xbox EVP Matt Booty confirmed the layoffs are part of a larger plan to eliminate around 1,600 roles. Activision will now take over leadership for the Halo franchise, with its president Rob Kostich aiming to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
State of Decay 3 Remains in “Active Development” Despite “Significant” Layoffs at Undead Labs
Undead Labs, now independent from Xbox, has announced significant layoffs, raising concerns about State of Decay 3's development. Studio head Philip Holt confirmed the game remains in "active development" on schedule, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and assistance from The Coalition. Despite past allegations of a toxic work environment and previous rumors of layoffs, the game is still targeting a 2027 release for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass.