Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
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Slide, Solve And Repeat With Retro Cube Slider
Retro Cube Slider, a new puzzle game from Sweet Bread Games, has been released on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC for £4.19. The game features single-screen sliding puzzles with a retro, neon-soaked aesthetic and simple controls.
Games Inbox: What is the best Rare game?
Readers discuss Rare's best game, with opinions ranging from GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie to the more modern Sea of Thieves and Blast Corps. Other topics include criticism of the Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition, Microsoft's corporate strategy, and the perceived decline of Xbox first-party software.
Post-Xbox, Double Fine boss Tim Schafer is baffled by the terrible state of the game industry: "People are making money, so I don't know why there's a big loss of jobs"
Double Fine founder Tim Schafer expressed confusion regarding the current state of the game industry, particularly the widespread layoffs despite reported profitability. He questions the economics driving these job losses and hopes for a cyclical recovery, while acknowledging the creativity in the indie space.
Xbox’s New Mythic Achievements Take 15 Seconds To Tell You “Good Job”
Xbox is introducing 'Mythic Achievements,' a new tier similar to PlayStation's platinum trophies, which will trigger a 15-second animation upon unlocking. These achievements are worth zero Gamerscore and are tracked separately. The rollout occurs during a difficult period for Xbox, marked by significant layoffs across Xbox Game Studios and restructuring for studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs.
As Halo goes to Activision, fans are worried about this year's Halo Fest and a potential lore reboot from the Call of Duty publisher
Activision is set to develop the next Halo game, a move that has sparked significant concern among fans regarding potential lore reboots and the future of the franchise. This development follows widespread layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including within the Halo development teams, leading to uncertainty about events like Halo Fest and the overall direction of the series.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Fable preview - bringing back the dog is still a ‘future possibility’ says dev
Playground Games director Ralph Fulton confirmed that the beloved dog companion from previous Fable titles was cut from the upcoming reboot due to resource constraints but remains a possibility for future updates. The developer also detailed the complex NPC routines designed for the game's characters, explaining the decision to prioritize these systems over the dog mechanic. Fable is set to release on February 23, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gears Of War: E-Day story director laid off as Halo Studios is reduced to scraps
Xbox Game Studios has implemented significant layoffs, impacting multiple first-party studios including Halo Studios and The Coalition. The story director for Gears Of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, was laid off from The Coalition, while Halo Studios' cinematic director, Josh Daniels, experienced a promotion and layoff in the same week, with the studio reportedly reduced to a skeleton crew. These cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft, affecting other developers like Undead Labs and Double Fine Productions.
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.
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.
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.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
StarCraft Doesn’t Sound Like An Xbox Exclusive
Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming StarCraft shooter will not be an Xbox exclusive, though the exact platforms remain unclear. While Blizzard stated it's incorrect to call it an Xbox exclusive, they did not confirm PlayStation availability beyond PC. This announcement comes amidst Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a recent shift by Xbox towards console exclusives for some of its franchises.
After Microsoft's latest bloodbath, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra offers "props to Xbox" for dismantling Halo Studios: "The best decision to reset Halo"
Following significant layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra praised the company's decision to move the Halo intellectual property to Activision, calling it a positive reset for the franchise. The article notes that hundreds of Xbox employees were laid off, and Halo Studios has been reduced to a small support team as Activision takes over future Halo game development.
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.
Halo Studios didn't have the chance to launch even one original title before Xbox decided to let Call of Duty…
Microsoft has shut down Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) after 268 layoffs, with the Halo franchise now being transferred to Activision. The studio never launched an original title, only a remake of Halo: Campaign Evolved, before its closure. This move is part of broader restructuring within Xbox Game Studios, which has seen significant cuts across multiple developers.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Hellblade developer Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios face closure in Xbox cuts
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs across its Xbox studios, leading to the potential closure of Ninja Theory and uncertainty for Arkane Studios. These cuts are part of a larger 'reset' for Xbox, impacting nearly 300 jobs and casting doubt on the future of projects like Hellblade 3 and Marvel's Blade.
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.
Bethesda takes over Obsidian Entertainment management from Xbox Game Studios as the two continue work on their…
Bethesda Game Studios is now managing Obsidian Entertainment, taking over from Xbox Game Studios after seven years. This change occurs as both studios continue work on a collaborative Fallout project, potentially a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 5. The news comes amidst significant layoffs impacting both studios.
