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Xbox announces a further 268 layoffs as Ninja Theory and Arkane remain on shaky ground
Xbox announced 268 additional layoffs, impacting studios like Halo Studios and XGS management, following a larger restructure initiated by CEO Asha Sharma. Ninja Theory faces potential closure as two acquisition agreements fell through, while Arkane Studios is still under consultation. This latest round of job cuts brings Xbox closer to its planned total of 3,200 redundancies.
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.
Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, transferring Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, and proposing the closure of Ninja Theory. The company also confirmed 268 roles have been cut across various studios, including Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). Other studios like Obsidian Entertainment have been transferred to Bethesda, while Undead Labs will continue to develop State of Decay 3 with a new publisher.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Xbox’s Second Wave Of Planned Layoffs Is Reportedly Starting As Studios Face Major Restructuring
Xbox is reportedly initiating a second wave of layoffs, affecting approximately 1,600 employees, as part of a major restructuring of its gaming division. This initiative, led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, aims to make the division more profitable and involves consolidating studios and potentially moving franchises like Halo to Activision Blizzard. Several first-party studios have also recently become independent or been sold off.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
Xbox reportedly set to announce second round of layoffs this week
Xbox is reportedly preparing for a second round of layoffs this week as part of an ongoing restructuring that includes consolidating several of its game studios. This follows an earlier round of 1,600 redundancies and the divestment of five studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited spreading resources too thin and fragmentation as reasons for the changes, aiming for future growth.
Hellblade Studio Potentially Shutting Down After Prior Agreements Fall Through
Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, is reportedly facing closure after two separation agreements with Xbox fell through. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty confirmed that the company is consulting with employees on a proposed closure while exploring other options. This news comes amidst broader studio reorganizations within Xbox, affecting other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions.
Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Asmodee appoints Brian Trunk as senior vice president, Route to Market for the Americas
This article rounds up recent appointments and transitions within the games industry. Notable moves include Brian Trunk joining Asmodee as senior vice president, David Scarborough becoming senior manager of EMEA communications at Blizzard Entertainment, and Ilari Kuittinen stepping down as managing director of Housemarque after 31 years. Several other individuals have taken on new roles at companies like CD Projekt Red, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard.
Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Fandom expands executive leadership team
Several companies in the gaming industry have announced executive appointments and promotions. Fandom expanded its leadership team with new hires and a promotion, while The New York Times appointed Jonathan Knight as chief games officer. Scopely saw two new appointments, and other companies like Arrowhead Game Studios, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, King, CD Projekt Red, and Unity also announced new roles and promotions for their staff.
Multiplayer survivalbox State of Decay 3 forges ahead with beta plans after July layoffs
Undead Labs announced that State of Decay 3 will undergo beta playtests before the end of the year, following earlier alpha tests. This indicates the game is progressing despite recent layoffs at the studio in July. The multiplayer survival game is slated for a 2027 release.
State of Decay 3 Closed Beta Scheduled for Later This Year
Undead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 will enter a closed beta later this year, following its closed alpha phase. Creative director Kevin Patzelt confirmed that the beta will include improvements to combat, cosmetics, movement, and visual fidelity based on alpha feedback. The game is set to launch in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring survival mechanics, base building, and untethered multiplayer.
Following Xbox Breakup, State Of Decay 3 Will Return With A Closed Beta Playtest
Undead Labs announced that State of Decay 3 will begin a closed beta playtest before the end of 2026, with more players gaining access over time. The beta aims to stress-test the game's large map and untethered multiplayer, building on lessons learned from a previous alpha test. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
State of Decay 3 lives on after studio's separation from Xbox, with a closed beta promised for this year
Undead Labs has announced that a closed beta for State of Decay 3 will begin in 2026, following the studio's separation from Xbox. The game, which is set to launch in 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will also feature expanded alpha testing throughout this year. This news comes after Microsoft's recent layoffs and restructuring within its gaming division, which included the sale of Undead Labs.
State of Decay 3: Closed Beta Playtests Will Open the Game to Even More Players This Year
Undead Labs is expanding closed beta playtests for State of Decay 3 to more players and platforms throughout 2026, ahead of its 2027 launch. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and will be included with Game Pass. These playtests aim to stress-test and fine-tune the game's systems, including its untethered multiplayer and largest map to date.
Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of unionized video game workers rallied across North America to protest recent layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and allies gathered to call out corporate greed and demand fair contracts, citing multiple rounds of job cuts impacting studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 3,200 job eliminations, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, leading to legal action from the CWA against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of the cuts.
Compulsion Games becomes publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, suggesting departure from Xbox amid major restructuring is now complete
Compulsion Games is now listed as the publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, indicating its complete separation from Xbox following recent restructuring. The studio, which also regained rights to its previous titles Contrast and We Happy Few, is now operating as an independent entity. South of Midnight, released in spring 2025, received praise for its visuals and music integration but was criticized for shallow gameplay.
200 million new Xbox players weren't enough to offset falling revenue in its latest fiscal year, CEO says: "We…
Despite attracting over 200 million new players to Xbox and its games in fiscal year 2026, Microsoft's gaming division experienced a decline in revenue. CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged the gap between audience growth and business performance, stating that investments in player value are expected to drive growth by the end of fiscal year 2027. The company also underwent significant restructuring, including layoffs and spinning out several first-party studios.
Xbox revenue plunges $1.7bn, with hardware dropping 29% YoY
Microsoft's latest financial results reveal a significant 7% year-on-year decline in Xbox revenue for the full year and 10% in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by a 29% drop in hardware sales. Despite growth in Game Pass, content and services revenue also fell by 10%. The company announced widespread layoffs affecting 4,800 roles, including 1,600 at Xbox, as part of a restructuring aimed at long-term growth, with several studios transitioning to new management or becoming independent.
