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Obsidian’s New Fallout Game Is Still Coming, As The Studio Moves Under Bethesda’s Umbrella
Obsidian Entertainment will now operate under Bethesda Softworks as part of Xbox's ongoing restructuring. This change aims to integrate Obsidian more closely with Bethesda's business unit while allowing Obsidian to continue its current projects, including Grounded and a new Fallout game.
Xbox’s Forza Studios Have Been Tag-Teaming For Years. Now They’re Becoming One
Microsoft's Xbox division is merging its Forza developers, Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, into a single entity after years of collaboration. This move formalizes their partnership, with both studios having a long history of developing titles in the Forza series and other franchises like Fable. The announcement comes amidst broader job cuts within Xbox, raising concerns about potential layoffs at the newly merged studio.
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 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.
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.
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.
Ninja Theory Now Expected To Close As Deal Falls Apart
Xbox is reportedly moving forward with the proposed closure of acclaimed studio Ninja Theory after two separate deals fell through. The company stated that it will begin consultations with employees while exploring other options. This news follows a series of layoffs and changes within Xbox's gaming divisions.
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.
Hellblade developer Ninja Theory to be shut down in new wave of Xbox cuts, as two separate agreements collapse
Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, is facing closure as part of new Xbox cuts. This follows the collapse of two separate business agreements, leading to a consultation process with employees. The studio was also working on a new entry in the Hellblade action-adventure series titled Senua.
Next major Halo game being developed by Activision, as Halo Studios all but closes as part of Microsoft's Xbox restructuring
Microsoft has significantly restructured its Xbox division, leading to the closure of Halo Studios and the reduction of its staff. Development of the next mainline Halo game has been handed over to Activision, which will create a new team separate from Call of Duty for the project. This move is part of broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Microsoft.
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.
Blizzard layoffs are reportedly imminent, days after an exciting BlizzCon and a seemingly popular World of Warcraft: Forever beta
Reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is facing imminent layoffs, despite recent successes like a popular beta for World of Warcraft: Forever and announcements at BlizzCon 2026. These cuts are expected to affect the company as part of broader job reductions within the Xbox division.
Insiders Warn More Bad News Is Coming From Xbox Today, With Halo Potentially Being Handed To ABK
Insiders report that Xbox is preparing for further layoffs and significant restructuring, with the possibility of the Halo franchise being transferred to Activision Blizzard. Speculation also points to potential studio closures and consolidations within Microsoft's gaming division.