Turn 10 Studios
Turn 10 Studios business and news from across the web.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft'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.
Xbox Closing At Least 2 Studios by 2026 End, Including One “Which Could Come as a Shock” – RumorInsider Gaming reports that at least two Xbox Game Studios are at risk of being shut down by the end of 2026, with one closure potentially being a surprise. While specific studios like Obsidian and Rare are reportedly safe, titles that underperformed, such as Forza Motorsport and South of Midnight, could put studios like Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, and Turn 10 Studios at risk.
Clutch Is a New PS5 Open World Racer from Ex Forza Horizon DevsMaverick Games, a studio founded by former Forza Horizon developers, has announced its debut title, Clutch. This cinematic open-world action-driving game is set to release on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2027. The game will feature both traditional circuit races and sandbox gameplay with high-stakes pursuits, built on Unreal Engine 5.
Forza Horizon 6's stunning car list was brought to life with the help of the Oblivion Remastered studioVirtuos, known for its work on The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, collaborated with Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios on Forza Horizon 6. The studio contributed to the development and refinement of approximately 90% of the game's vehicles and all nine biomes. This marks Virtuos' third collaboration with Playground Games, having previously assisted on Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Horizon 5.
Forza Horizon 6 speeds into Steam's top 5 most played games with over 300k concurrent playersForza Horizon 6 has achieved over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam, placing it among the top 5 most played games. Despite being described as "more of the same," the open-world racing series' success is attributed to its approachable simcade formula and recent content additions. Developer Playground Games is addressing initial issues like drivatar AI difficulty and crash bugs.
XBOX Celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Improved Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers and MoreXbox is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with updates to its Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers, including a new Goal Post shape available through Xbox Design Lab. The company also refreshed its Accessible Gaming page on Xbox.com for easier navigation of features and tools. Several games like Forza Horizon 6, Kiln, Sea of Thieves, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are highlighted for their ongoing commitment to inclusive design and accessibility features.
Forza Horizon 6’s PS5 Delay Is Getting Harder To DefendThe article discusses the staggered release of Forza Horizon 6, questioning why the PlayStation 5 version is delayed despite reports of it being targeted for a while. It explores potential reasons including development time, optimization for various platforms, and Microsoft's strategy regarding exclusivity and Game Pass revenue. The author suggests that while the delay is a missed opportunity, Microsoft may be focused on long-term sales and driving engagement with their ecosystem.
Microsoft reportedly offers voluntary retirement program for 7% of US workforceMicrosoft 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.
Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly already sold 500k on Steam a month before launch, while my beloved Motorsport has crashed…Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly sold over 500,000 copies on Steam a month before its May 19 launch, indicating strong pre-release demand. Meanwhile, the mainline Forza Motorsport series, particularly the 2023 entry, is struggling, with reports of significant staff layoffs at developer Turn 10 Studios suggesting its future is uncertain. The article suggests the Horizon series' success, partly due to its multiplatform availability including on PlayStation 5, may now represent the future of the franchise.
I crashed out reading layoff condolence letters in this shop sim about a laid-off adventurer made by a laid-off Xbox…Dungeon Bodega Simulator, a shop management game developed by a former Xbox developer who experienced layoffs, explores themes of job loss and resilience. The game's creator, Harrison, discusses how developing the title served as a cathartic experience following his own layoff from Turn 10 Studios. The article reflects on the emotional impact of layoffs in the game industry and the personal significance of creating games.
Forza Horizon 6 Features Over 100 Fresh Rims and Motorcycle Engine Swaps for Kei VehiclesForza Horizon 6 will feature extensive vehicle customization options, including over 100 new rims, motorcycle engine swaps for Kei vehicles, and advanced paint finishes. The game will also introduce new Barn Find and Treasure Car discoveries across Japan. Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 release later this year.
PlayStation and Xbox veteran launches talent agency to support small studiosFiona Cherbak, a former talent leader at PlayStation and Xbox Game Studios, has launched Rocket Game Talent, a boutique agency aimed at providing triple-A recruiting expertise to independent game studios. The firm offers services like full-cycle recruiting, employer branding, and talent operations infrastructure to help smaller studios compete for top talent.
The future of Xbox is vague and contradictory, with just a glimmer of hopeMicrosoft has announced significant leadership changes within Xbox, with Asha Sharma stepping into a combined CEO role previously held by Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. The article analyzes the implications of these changes, Sharma's background in AI, and the perceived contradictions in Xbox's future strategy, highlighting concerns about talent retention and the company's long-term direction.