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More Xbox layoffs imminent as Activision takes control of Halo claim reports
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning another wave of significant layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of employees this week, as part of a broader studio consolidation. Reports suggest that the Halo franchise and its associated studios may be moved under Activision Blizzard. This follows multiple rounds of job cuts and studio closures at Xbox over the past few years, which the article attributes to poor management.
Gambling Is Now Competing With Video Games for Players’ Time and Money, New Report Finds
A new report indicates that gambling, including online sports betting and iGaming, is increasingly competing with video games for players' time and money, particularly among men aged 18-34. While gaming still reaches a large audience, players are spending less time on games as entertainment budgets and free hours are divided between these activities. This shift is impacting video game industry revenue, which has remained flat while spending on gambling services has surged.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
Xbox reportedly set to announce second round of layoffs this week
Xbox is reportedly preparing for a second round of layoffs this week as part of an ongoing restructuring that includes consolidating several of its game studios. This follows an earlier round of 1,600 redundancies and the divestment of five studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited spreading resources too thin and fragmentation as reasons for the changes, aiming for future growth.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
Xbox to Undergo New Round of Layoffs Affecting “Several” Employees, Will Consolidate Studios – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly preparing for another round of significant layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of employees across multiple studios, including Blizzard. This follows previous job cuts and a stated need to 'reset Xbox' due to weakening business margins. The company is also consolidating some of its studios, with Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs being divested.
Hellblade Studio Potentially Shutting Down After Prior Agreements Fall Through
Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, is reportedly facing closure after two separation agreements with Xbox fell through. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty confirmed that the company is consulting with employees on a proposed closure while exploring other options. This news comes amidst broader studio reorganizations within Xbox, affecting other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions.
New Halo Announcement is Coming Soon – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is preparing a significant announcement regarding the Halo franchise soon, with industry insiders hinting at future plans. However, reports also indicate recent title Halo: Campaign Evolved underperformed expectations, and potential layoffs at Halo Studios could be part of the news, creating mixed reactions.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Hideo Kojima says Xbox had "never seen" anything like Physint, which is impressive considering it was the only publisher that didn't think his OD pitch was "crazy"
Hideo Kojima stated that Xbox was highly enthusiastic about his pitch for the new action espionage game Physint, describing it as something they had never seen before. This comes after Sony reportedly dropped the project. Kojima highlighted Xbox's technical and marketing support as crucial for the game's development, noting their existing connection through the OD project.
Kojima Productions' survival story may sound strikingly familiar to struggling devs
Hideo Kojima revealed that Kojima Productions faced a significant funding crisis for its game Physint after Sony Interactive Entertainment withdrew support. The studio secured a new deal with Microsoft's Xbox, avoiding layoffs and continuing development. This situation highlights the broader financial struggles and funding challenges faced by many developers in the current industry climate.
Hideo Kojima Could Be the Catalyst for an Xbox Turnaround
Hideo Kojima's signing with Xbox is presented as a potentially transformative move for the platform, akin to a sports team acquiring a superstar athlete. The article suggests this partnership could be a catalyst for an Xbox turnaround, highlighting Kojima's star power and the significance of his presence at the Tokyo Game Show.
Physint Is Biggest-Selling Game Kojima Could Ever Make, He Says
Hideo Kojima's new espionage game, Physint, has moved from Sony to Xbox after reports of budget overruns and missed deadlines. Kojima believes Physint has significant commercial appeal and is the biggest-selling title he could create, inspired by fan demand for Metal Gear. The game is still in the concept phase, with a small team working on its systems and design.
Hideo Kojima doesn't know if Physint will be released on PS5, and he hasn't decided if it's going to use Sony's Decima game engine
Hideo Kojima has revealed that the platform release for his upcoming game Physint is undecided, with the decision resting with Xbox, who are now publishing the title after Sony's withdrawal. Kojima is also still experimenting with game engines for Physint, considering Xbox's technological support and the possibility of using Unreal Engine 5, despite previous use of Sony's Decima engine for Death Stranding.
Hideo Kojima Doesn’t Know If Physint Will Be Xbox Exclusive
Hideo Kojima has stated that he does not know if his new spy game, Physint, will be exclusive to Xbox, despite Sony reportedly dropping the title. Xbox is now publishing the game, and Kojima mentioned Microsoft's ambition to reach the largest possible audience. Physint, along with Kojima's horror game OD, are both in early development with no release dates announced.
Kojima says his Sony split was amicable and they both still love us very much
Kojima Productions has issued a statement to address rumors about the development of their upcoming game, Physint, and their relationships with Sony and Xbox. The studio confirmed that while their relationship with Sony remains strong, the development of Physint is continuing with Xbox, and they are in a healthy, profitable state.
Gears of War: E-Day – Prepare for Emergence Day with Us in Los Angeles
Xbox is hosting a promotional event in Los Angeles on September 30 to celebrate the upcoming launch of Gears of War: E-Day. The event will feature an Emergence Hole and Corpser statue, early gameplay access for the first 500 attendees, prize giveaways, and themed food and beverages. Attendees aged 18 and older are welcome, with those wearing Gears of War merchandise receiving priority access.
Hideo Kojima clarifies split with Sony over Physint
Hideo Kojima has addressed speculation regarding his studio's relationship with Sony and the development of his upcoming game, Physint. He clarified that the split was not due to budget issues or missed deadlines, stating that Kojima Productions is profitable and development for Physint continues with Xbox as the publisher, while maintaining a strong relationship with PlayStation.
Physint budget and deadline issues are "unsubstantiated speculation," Kojima Productions says, and "our relationship with PlayStation remains strong" despite having to go to Xbox
Kojima Productions has issued a statement refuting reports that Sony canceled its upcoming game Physint due to budget and deadline issues. The studio confirmed that Xbox will now publish the title and stated that its relationship with PlayStation remains strong, while also encouraging skepticism towards unsubstantiated online speculation.
