Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
Sea of Thieves Developer Rare is “On the Block” Ahead of Xbox’s Mass Layoffs – RumorReports suggest that Sea of Thieves developer Rare may be affected by upcoming mass layoffs at Xbox, potentially impacting over 1,000 staff. While the studio's closure is not confirmed, this follows previous restructuring after the cancellation of Everwild. Layoffs are reportedly expected around July 6th.- Business and FinanceObsidian Entertainment, the developer behind Avowed and The Outer Worlds, is reportedly in negotiations with Xbox Game Studios to avoid potential closure. This news comes amid broader discussions about the future of several Xbox-owned studios.
- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA's GeForce NOW service will feature new games in July, while Xbox Game Pass is set to remove a significant number of titles soon. The article touches upon the evolving landscape of game subscriptions and cloud streaming services.
450 words on Clockwork Revolution, the console exclusive that may mark the end of an era for XboxClockwork Revolution, an upcoming Xbox console exclusive from inXile Entertainment, is highlighted as a potential system-seller and a glimpse into the future of RPGs. However, the article expresses concern that the game's ambitious scope and long development cycle may represent the end of an era for Xbox's willingness to take creative risks on new intellectual property, especially in light of recent internal restructuring and rumors of layoffs.
Fantasy meets reality: Why turmoil at Xbox is impacting IO Interactive and Project FantasyIO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is in turmoil after Xbox Game Studios Publishing reportedly pulled its funding. Despite this setback, IO Interactive remains committed to the project and is restructuring to continue development. This situation highlights the shifting priorities within Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, impacting independent studios reliant on external partnerships.
Microsoft reportedly add Arkane and their Blade game to the potential shuttering pileMicrosoft is reportedly considering shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade game, with potential layoffs affecting up to 1000 employees across Xbox. Other studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are also rumored to be on the chopping block. The company is also reportedly divesting its partnership with IO Interactive on Project Fantasy.- MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffsThis week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
IO Interactive look set for layoffs as their external partner for Project Fantasy pulls outIO Interactive is facing imminent layoffs due to the termination of its relationship with an external partner for its unannounced game, Project Fantasy. While the studio remains committed to the game's development, the split necessitates staffing changes. Project Fantasy was previously revealed in documents to be intended for publishing by Xbox Game Studios.
Microsoft Could Cancel Marvel’s Blade And Close Its DeveloperMicrosoft is reportedly considering cancelling the upcoming Marvel's Blade game and potentially closing its developer, Arkane Studios. The game, originally slated for 2026 but delayed to late 2027 and over budget, has not had gameplay footage released since its 2023 announcement. This potential closure is part of broader plans for studio restructuring and layoffs within Xbox, which are expected to begin in July.
The Best Xbox And Game Pass Games Of 2026 So Far – The Must-Plays From January To JuneThe first half of 2026 has been a strong period for Xbox and Game Pass, featuring a diverse range of critically acclaimed titles. Highlights include the horror game REANIMAL, the reinvented Resident Evil Requiem, the unique word-based roguelike Beyond Words, and the highly anticipated Hades II. Other standout releases include TerraTech Legion, Dungeon Clawler, Forza Horizon 6, and the new James Bond title 007 First Light, many of which launched day one on Game Pass.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered's physical Switch 2 release has the full game on a cartridge, and we've finally got a release date, tooThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is set to release on Nintendo Switch on August 11th, with both standard and deluxe editions available for pre-order. The physical release will contain the full game on cartridge, a departure from previous Bethesda Switch ports. The game targets 900p at 30 FPS handheld and 1080p at 30 FPS docked, with DLSS support.
Best New Xbox And Game Pass Games For July 2026July 2026 will bring several notable game releases and Game Pass additions for Xbox players. Highlights include remakes of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Halo: Combat Evolved, alongside new titles like The Planet Crafter and Mistfall Hunter. The month offers a diverse range of genres, from action RPGs and puzzle adventures to survival and retro shooters, ensuring something for every player.
Cyberpunk 2 lead says "some days I feel our industry is imploding" as Destiny 2 studio Bungie is hit with mass layoffs: "Teams and game projects are getting slaughtered"Cyberpunk 2077 associate game director Paweł Sasko expressed concern over the state of the video game industry, stating it feels like it's "imploding" due to frequent layoffs and project cancellations. This sentiment comes as Bungie, the studio behind Destiny 2, experienced significant layoffs, with other studios like Xbox Game Studios and Electronic Arts also reportedly cutting staff. CD Projekt Red, which itself had layoffs in 2023, is actively hiring for projects including The Witcher 4 and a new IP.
How to find Forza Horizon 6 Sky LanternsThis guide explains how to find the Sky Lanterns in Forza Horizon 6 for a Photography challenge. They appear at night during the Autumn season near the stadium, or can be found using custom EventLab challenges by searching for 'sky lantern'.
South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games are allowing staff to openly seek new jobs ahead of possible Xbox layoffs, according to reportCompulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, has reportedly given some staff permission to seek new employment ahead of potential layoffs at Xbox Game Studios in July. While no layoffs have occurred yet, developers have begun posting on LinkedIn about their availability for new roles. This situation is occurring amidst reports that Compulsion Games' future is uncertain, with possibilities including closure or spinning off into independence.
How to smash Bamboo in Forza Horizon 6This guide details how to quickly complete the Bamboo Bash challenge in Forza Horizon 6's Autumn season. Players can find a dense bamboo forest in the Arashiyama Run Speed Zone, allowing them to smash through the required 30 bamboo plants in under a minute. Completing this challenge rewards players with Festival Playlist points and a Super Wheelspin.
How to find Temple of Nachi Falls in Forza Horizon 6 for the Temple of Zoom challengeThis guide explains how to find the Temple of Nachi Falls in Forza Horizon 6, located on the western edge of the Takashiro region. Players need to photograph a Ford from the 1980s at this location to complete the 'Temple of Zoom' daily challenge for the summer season.
Amid reports Xbox is preparing for significant layoffs, a wave of staff at South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games announce their departureMultiple employees have announced their departures from Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, amid reports of significant layoffs and potential studio closures within the Xbox division. These departures follow news that Microsoft is planning major restructuring across its gaming division, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory reportedly among the studios at risk.
Xbox Layoffs Appear To Be Starting With South Of Midnight Dev CompulsionXbox Game Studios has reportedly begun layoffs, with developers at Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, being affected. This comes as part of a larger restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma, which may see several Xbox Game Studios closed or become independent. Other studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are also reportedly in talks with Xbox to avoid closure.
As Xbox studios brace for a "reset," South of Midnight developers from Compulsion Games begin looking for workDevelopers from Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are leaving en masse as parent company Xbox Game Studios undergoes a significant business 'reset'. Multiple reports indicate potential layoffs or closures across several Xbox Game Studios, with Compulsion Games reportedly in talks to spin off independently. Several employees have publicly announced they are seeking new opportunities after years with the studio.