Undead Labs
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Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To Activision: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed shock but not surprise regarding the franchise's move to Activision following Microsoft's restructuring of its Xbox studios. Lehto, who was affected by layoffs at Halo Studios, wished well to the developers impacted by the decision. Activision will form a new team for Halo, while Halo Studios will focus on supporting existing titles and the community.
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.
State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs lay off "a significant number" of "exceptionally talented developers" after gaining independence from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has laid off a significant number of employees shortly after becoming independent from Xbox. This move follows a trend of layoffs across the industry and within Microsoft-owned studios, impacting other developers like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs goes independent after Xbox restructuring, but lays off "a significant number" of the team in doing so
Undead Labs, the developer of the State of Decay series, has become an independent, worker-owned studio after being acquired by Microsoft in 2018. This transition comes with significant layoffs, with the studio stating "a significant number" of staff are departing. Despite the restructuring, development on State of Decay 3 continues for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with a closed beta planned before the end of the year and a 2027 release target.
Undead Labs confirms it is now an "employee-owned studio"
Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay, has announced its separation from Xbox and is now operating as an employee-owned studio. Development on State of Decay 3 continues, with a planned release in 2027 for Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation. This transition occurs amidst broader layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox Layoffs: 268 Employees Affected in Latest Restructuring — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, impacting 268 employees. While studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs are safe and continuing work on titles like State of Decay 3, Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon face potential closure. The article suggests Microsoft grew too quickly and its investment in Xbox Game Pass is now contributing to these cutbacks.
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.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
State of Decay Developer Undead Labs Responds to 'Significant' Layoffs Following Independence from Xbox
State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs has confirmed significant layoffs following its recent independence from Xbox. The studio's financial situation appears to be unstable after the split.
Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure
Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.
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.
State of Decay 3 is building a deeper survival community, one now free from Xbox
Undead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 is now an independent studio, free from Xbox ownership, and has reaffirmed its 2027 release date. This move comes after recent layoffs at Xbox, but the studio is committed to its community management and survival gameplay. The game is still slated for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and will launch on Xbox Game Pass.
Undead Labs Goes Independent After Xbox Separation, Confirms State of Decay 3 Is Still In Development
Undead Labs has announced its separation from Xbox, becoming an independent, employee-owned developer. The studio confirmed that State of Decay 3 remains in development.
"I'm still blown away by the amount of talent": Hellblade devs Ninja Theory face closure after Microsoft fail to reach a deal with buyers
Microsoft is proposing to close Ninja Theory after failing to find a buyer for the studio, which was put up for sale earlier this year as part of broader Xbox layoffs. While Undead Labs was successfully sold, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through, leading to this proposed closure. Former and current developers have expressed devastation and respect for the studio's talent, lamenting the potential loss of future projects.
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's consolidation plans might mean you get a new Halo sooner, but history shows production line development makes for boring games
Xbox's strategy of consolidating studios and pushing for more frequent releases, exemplified by the Activision Blizzard acquisition and changes to the Halo team, risks creating a future of formulaic and uninspired games. The author argues that while such consolidation might seem efficient, history shows that annual releases and a focus on existing franchises often stifle creativity and lead to a homogenization of game design, potentially resulting in a less exciting gaming landscape.
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 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.
