Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
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.
Obsidian Will Retain Leadership and “Creative Identity” Under Bethesda – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its leadership and creative identity while reporting to Bethesda under a new organizational structure within Xbox. This change comes amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, raising concerns for Obsidian's future despite assurances of continued creative independence and ongoing work on a new Fallout project.
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."
Starcraft Shooter “Won’t Be Exclusive” to Xbox, Says Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment has stated that the upcoming StarCraft game will not be exclusive to Xbox, though specific details regarding PC, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch versions remain unconfirmed. The company is keeping development details close to its chest, but the potential for a new campaign and multiplayer modes suggests a strategy to reach a wider audience.
Gears of War: E-Day’s Story Director Juan Vaca is Among Those Affected by Xbox’s Latest Layoffs
Xbox has conducted another round of layoffs, affecting numerous employees across Xbox Game Studios, including Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day. Vaca confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, stating he is seeking new opportunities. The news comes shortly before the game's scheduled October 6th release on PC and Xbox Series X/S, though The Coalition has stated the game is on track and has gone gold.
State of Decay Developer Undead Labs Responds to 'Significant' Layoffs Following Independence from Xbox
State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs has confirmed significant layoffs following its recent independence from Xbox. The studio's financial situation appears to be unstable after the split.
Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure
Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.
Halo cinematic director "promoted and laid off in the same week" as Microsoft continues sweeping Xbox layoffs
Microsoft continues its significant layoffs across Xbox, impacting studios like Halo Studios, Ninja Theory, and Arkane. Former Halo Studios cinematic director Josh Daniels reported being promoted and laid off in the same week. Xbox CCO Matt Booty stated these cuts are part of a larger restructuring plan that will eliminate 3,200 employees in total.
Halo Studios Cinematic Director Promoted and Laid Off Within the Same Week as Xbox's Brutal Restructuring Continues
Josh Daniels, cinematic director at 343 Industries, was promoted and then laid off within the same week as part of Xbox's significant restructuring. This comes as Activision is reportedly taking over the next Halo game.
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.
State of Decay 3 is building a deeper survival community, one now free from Xbox
Undead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 is now an independent studio, free from Xbox ownership, and has reaffirmed its 2027 release date. This move comes after recent layoffs at Xbox, but the studio is committed to its community management and survival gameplay. The game is still slated for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and will launch on Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Layoffs Are Not Done Yet
Microsoft has announced an additional 268 layoffs within its Xbox division as part of a broader business reset. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited factors like underperforming Game Pass investments and industry hardware crises for the restructuring. Further staff reductions are expected as the company continues its overhaul.
Activision’s Halo Game To Be A “Full-feature mainline installment”
Activision is taking the lead on the next mainline Halo game, with Halo Studios providing support. The article notes that the future of Halo remakes is now uncertain due to this development.
Sea of Thieves Fans Fear for Rare's Future as Studio Gets Put Under Activision Following Xbox Reset
Fans of Sea of Thieves are expressing concern over the future of developer Rare following its consolidation under Activision as part of a broader Xbox restructuring. This move has led to worries about the studio's independence and future projects.
Forza series studios Turn 10 & Playground Games to merge following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios and Forza Horizon/Fable developer Playground Games are merging into a single entity. Both studios will continue to work on their respective franchises and the upcoming Fable game. This organizational change was announced by Xbox Chief Content Officer Phil Spencer.
Obsidian Entertainment to fall under Bethesda's authority following Xbox layoffs
Obsidian Entertainment is now under the authority of Bethesda Game Studios following recent Xbox layoffs and organizational changes. Obsidian will continue its current projects, including Grounded, and is working on new Fallout titles with Bethesda, including a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas. The article suggests this consolidation implies Bethesda will take on responsibility and control of Obsidian's operations.
Undead Labs Goes Independent After Xbox Separation, Confirms State of Decay 3 Is Still In Development
Undead Labs has announced its separation from Xbox, becoming an independent, employee-owned developer. The studio confirmed that State of Decay 3 remains in development.
Activision was playing the long game – the Call of Duty dev lost a bidding war to acquire Rare over 20 years ago,…
Activision is now the home of Rare, 24 years after Xbox outbid the publisher for the studio in 2002. This move comes as part of Microsoft's recent reshuffling and job cuts. Rare, known for titles like Sea of Thieves and the Banjo-Kazooie series, now falls under the Activision banner alongside other classic platforming icons.
"I'm still blown away by the amount of talent": Hellblade devs Ninja Theory face closure after Microsoft fail to reach a deal with buyers
Microsoft is proposing to close Ninja Theory after failing to find a buyer for the studio, which was put up for sale earlier this year as part of broader Xbox layoffs. While Undead Labs was successfully sold, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through, leading to this proposed closure. Former and current developers have expressed devastation and respect for the studio's talent, lamenting the potential loss of future projects.
Activision will develop the next Halo game
Xbox has restructured its Halo studios, rebranding 343 Industries as Halo Studios and pivoting its focus to community support. Activision will now develop the next Halo title. This change accompanies significant layoffs within Xbox's gaming divisions.
