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Amid relentless layoffs at Xbox, Fable lead says "so many people" at the company see the RPG as "vital to the DNA of the platform," which "protected us over a long development cycle"
Despite significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of other projects, the upcoming RPG Fable is considered vital to the platform's identity, which has protected its long development cycle. Director Ralph Fulton believes the game is important to video games as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements. Fable is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
New Perfect Dark, Co-Op Doom Were Reportedly In The Works At Id Software Before Mass Layoffs
Mass layoffs have significantly impacted id Software, with reports suggesting projects like a new Perfect Dark game, a co-op Doom experience, and a John Wick-inspired title called Fury were in development. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's 'reset plan' led to the dismissal of over half of id Software's staff, potentially affecting the future of the id Tech engine and other studios like Obsidian Entertainment and ZeniMax Online Studios.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
Microsoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
Microsoft reportedly offers voluntary retirement program for 7% of US workforce
Microsoft is reportedly offering a voluntary retirement program to up to 7% of its US workforce, targeting employees at senior level or below with a combined age and service total of at least 70. This initiative follows recent layoffs and restructuring within its gaming division, including studio closures and project cancellations. The company is also adjusting its stock reward structure to provide managers with more flexibility.
Former Perfect Dark Design Director is Now Working on Blizzard’s StarCraft Shooter – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Drew Murray, former design director for Perfect Dark at The Initiative, is now working at Blizzard Entertainment on a rumored StarCraft shooter. Murray's LinkedIn confirms his employment at Blizzard as an associate design director. The project is reportedly in early development and may utilize Unreal Engine.
Phil Spencer Was Good for Xbox, but His Legacy Is Complicated - IGN
Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years with Microsoft, concluding a 12-year tenure as Head of Xbox. His legacy is viewed as complicated, with shareholders seeing massive stock growth while some hardcore gamers point to increased subscription prices, fewer exclusives, and studio closures. Despite these criticisms, the article argues Spencer was a net positive, crediting him with saving Xbox during the Xbox One era, championing features like backwards compatibility and cross-play, and building a strong portfolio of studios and games.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As Xbox Boss
This analysis breaks down Phil Spencer's tenure as Xbox boss from 2014 to 2026, highlighting both successes like backward compatibility and the launch of Xbox Game Pass, and failures such as studio closures, game cancellations, and price hikes. The article details major events year-by-year, concluding with Spencer's retirement and the challenges facing Xbox under new leadership.
