Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that Xbox is considering canceling its Blade game and potentially closing Arkane Studios. This news comes from The Verge, indicating significant internal shifts within Microsoft's gaming division.
Comings and Goings
Upcoming layoffs at Xbox are already creating significant disruption within the gaming industry. The article discusses the potential aftermath and broader implications of these workforce reductions.
Marvel’s Blade Could Be Cancelled as Xbox Considers Shutting Down Arkane Studios – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is considering cancelling Marvel's Blade and potentially closing Arkane Studios in Lyon due to budget concerns and impending layoffs. Other studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs are also reportedly on the chopping block, with potential layoffs extending to id Software and Blizzard Entertainment.
Kojima Productions’ OD Remains Safe Ahead of Xbox Reset – Rumor
Despite recent rumors of potential studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, Kojima Productions' upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. This comes as other studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Arkane Lyon face uncertain futures. OD remains Kojima Productions' primary focus for 2026.
IO Interactive’s Project Fantasy Faces Layoffs After Xbox Ends Partnership
IO Interactive has announced layoffs due to Project Fantasy and the end of a partnership with an external party, confirmed to be Xbox. Despite the staffing changes and the partnership's conclusion, the company remains committed to the online fantasy role-playing game. This situation mirrors other projects that faced upheaval after Xbox ended partnerships, though Project Fantasy is not cancelled.
Kojima’s Horror Game Will Survive The Xbox Bloodbath, It’s Claimed
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD is reportedly still on track despite recent shifts at Xbox. The project, which blends gaming and film with a notable cast, does not yet have a confirmed release date.
IO Interactive warns of 'staffing decisions' as Xbox pulls out of deal to publish Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced that Xbox has withdrawn its partnership to publish and fund their online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision may lead to short-term consequences for the developer, including potential staffing changes. The game was previously stated to be in a healthy development state as recently as May 2026.
Xbox layoff plans reportedly include closing Arkane, canceling Blade
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs starting next week, which may include the closure of Arkane Studios and the cancellation of the Blade game. These cuts are part of a broader restructuring within the company.
Xbox pulls funding for 007 First Light dev's new fantasy RPG, prompting layoffs as Microsoft insists "we're not reducing our overall investment in games"
Xbox has withdrawn funding for IO Interactive's upcoming online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to layoffs at the developer. Microsoft stated that while overall investment in games remains the same, the company is shifting its investment focus. IO Interactive confirmed its commitment to completing the game despite the funding change.
Fresh off of dumping on Xbox's flailing, former Sony exec says PlayStation's pullback from PC releases…
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden criticized both Xbox's strategy and Sony's recent pullback from releasing games on PC. He argued that bringing PlayStation titles to PC was crucial for brand awareness across other media, even if it didn't directly lead to hardware sales. The discussion also touches on the current strength of the PC market and Microsoft's continued commitment to PC releases for its exclusives.
Hideo Kojima’s OD Is Reportedly Safe From Upcoming Xbox Cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming Xbox console-exclusive horror game, OD, is reportedly safe from potential studio closures and game cancellations at Xbox. Despite widespread rumors of layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, a source indicates OD remains in development at Kojima Productions and will still be published by Xbox. This news comes as Xbox undergoes changes under new CEO Asha Sharma, with several other studios and games reportedly facing uncertainty.
Xbox Focusing On “Highest Priorities,” Claims It’s Not Cutting Back Overall Spending On Games
Microsoft's Xbox division is re-focusing its spending on 'highest priorities,' leading to the cancellation of funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. A spokesperson stated that overall investment in games remains the same as last year, but the types of projects being backed are changing. This shift is part of a broader business 'reset' at Xbox, which may include layoffs and studio changes.
Hideo Kojima's Xbox Horror Game, OD, Is Safe From Microsoft's 'Reset' Plan, but Other Games Are on the Chopping Block
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD, developed in partnership with Xbox, is reportedly safe from Microsoft's recent business 'reset' plans. While OD is secure, other games within the Xbox ecosystem may be affected by these strategic changes.
IO Interactive to lay off employees after Xbox pulls support for untitled fantasy game
IO Interactive is laying off employees after Microsoft-owned Xbox withdrew funding and publishing support for its in-development fantasy game, codenamed 'Project Fantasy.' The studio confirmed the news on X, stating they must adapt to the consequences, including staffing decisions, and are committed to supporting those affected. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though overall investment in games remains the same.
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPG
IO Interactive has lost external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to anticipated layoffs. Microsoft confirmed it was the partner that pulled funding as it re-evaluates its investments. This news comes shortly after the successful launch of 007 First Light, but casts a shadow over the future of Project Fantasy and potentially other studios working with Microsoft.
Io Interactive Laying Off Staff After Partner Withdraws from Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced layoffs following the withdrawal of funding for their new intellectual property, Project Fantasy, by an external partner, rumored to be Microsoft. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to the project's completion. This decision comes amid broader shifts within Xbox's business strategy under new leadership.
Xbox could cancel Marvel's Blade and close Arkane in July bloodbath, report says, or the studio may be sold off
Xbox is reportedly considering closing or selling Arkane Studios and canceling its game Marvel's Blade due to budget and release date issues. This is part of a larger wave of layoffs expected in July as Microsoft aims to cut costs. Other studios like Arkane Austin and Compulsion Games have also faced closures or struggles.
Hitman, 007 First Light Studio Begins Layoffs As Its Fantasy RPG Project Suffers Setbacks
IO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman and 007 First Light, has begun layoffs due to setbacks with its unreleased fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy. The studio confirmed that Xbox has pulled its funding for the project, though IO Interactive remains committed to its completion. The layoffs are described as short-term consequences of adapting to this change.
007 First Light, Hitman Developer IO Interactive Announces Layoffs After 'Relationship With an External Partner' on Fantasy Project Ends
IO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman and the upcoming 007 First Light, has announced layoffs. This comes after a fantasy project, reportedly set to be published by Xbox, faced an unexpected setback due to a severed relationship with an external partner.
Report: Xbox considering sale or closure of Arkane, other studios, as layoffs loom
A report suggests Xbox is considering selling or closing several studios, including Arkane Studios, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, as part of a major 'reset' under new CEO Asha Sharma. The upcoming game 'Blade' is reportedly over budget and may be canceled. Mass layoffs affecting over a thousand roles are also anticipated across Xbox in early July, following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
