World's Edge
World's Edge business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio managing the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half its staff due to Microsoft's Xbox consolidation and layoffs. A new game project was also allegedly cancelled as part of these changes, which are part of a wider 'reset' of Microsoft's games business.
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.
Evening Reading - September 22, 2026
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs affecting 268 employees across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and more. This restructuring includes the next Halo game being developed by Activision, and the merger of Turn 10 and Playground Games. Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment and Rage/World's Edge will now report under Bethesda and Activision respectively.
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."
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.
Rare & World's Edge will now report to Activision following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, developers Rare and World's Edge will now report to Activision. This change impacts the studios behind franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, with Activision also overseeing the next Halo game. The future for these studios appears uncertain amidst ongoing restructuring.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
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 confirms layoffs of 268 across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios & more
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting 268 positions across various first-party studios including Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios. The company is also beginning consultations for the potential closure of Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade series. These changes are part of broader organizational restructuring that will see studios like Turn 10 and Playground Games merged.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
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.
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.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Age of Empires is doubling down on Vikings with a pair of new Norse expansions
World's Edge is releasing new Viking-themed DLC for Age of Empires 4 and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition by the end of 2026. Age of Empires 4 will introduce the Scots and Vikings with its 'Raiders of the North' expansion, while Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition's 'The Viking Sagas' will focus on Harald Hardrada and include the Danes, Varangians, and Saxons. Additionally, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will receive 'The Baltic Powers' DLC featuring the Danes and Poles, and a new bundle will include the base game with several previously released DLCs.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters are a good start, but before Fallout 5 Bethesda could be doing so much more
The announcement of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters highlights the long neglect of the Fallout series, with Fallout 5 not expected for many years. While new content for Fallout 76 and a potential Obsidian project are on the horizon, the article argues that Xbox and Bethesda could leverage other studios within their ecosystem to develop more Fallout titles and better manage the franchise's potential.
Surprise, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition's Baltic Powers expansion has re-emerged from the annals of cancelled DLC history, will come out in September
The Baltic Powers expansion for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, previously cancelled, is now set for a September 10th release. This DLC will introduce the Danish and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth civilizations, new game modes like Regicide and Independence, and maps based on historical conflicts. An open beta is currently available on Steam until August 6th.
