Dishonored
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dishonored across the outlets.
Microsoft comms lead says Xbox layoffs "were not made to replace employees with foreign workers" in response…Microsoft communications lead Frank Shaw clarified that recent Xbox layoffs, affecting 1,600 employees initially and planned to reach 3,200, were not made to replace workers with foreign H-1B visa holders. Shaw stated the workforce changes were necessary to restructure the Xbox business, which he described as unhealthy, and emphasized that the H-1B visa figures mentioned are company-wide and not specific to Xbox. He also highlighted that Xbox is the largest employer of American workers in the gaming industry.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.
I finally found an 8,000Hz gaming mouse that caters to my bizarre pinky groove and MMO preferences, and it makes me question why more mouse brands aren't willing to take risksThe author discusses the current market for gaming mice, which is heavily influenced by Esports preferences for lightweight, high-polling rate designs. They express a desire for more versatile mice that cater to different grip styles and offer features like MMO buttons, finding few options outside of specific models like the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite and the upcoming Meetion Mega V1. The article highlights how smaller brands like Meetion are innovating by offering modular designs and catering to niche preferences, potentially challenging the dominance of Esports-focused peripherals.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too lateAmidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
Arkane Founder Asks Xbox How Much the Studio Would Cost “For a Friend”Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio humorously inquired about the acquisition cost of the studio from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. This comes amid Xbox's recent layoffs and studio restructuring, which has put Arkane under review. Colantonio has previously criticized Xbox's Game Pass model as unsustainable.
Bethesda union blasts Microsoft as Xbox layoffs hit the Fallout and Elder Scrolls studio, too: "When will this cycle of cuts in pursuit of ever-greater profits end?"Microsoft has initiated significant layoffs across its Xbox division, impacting Bethesda Game Studios and other developers. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed frustration over the recurring cuts, highlighting the impact on long-term employees and calling for an end to profit-driven redundancies. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited weak operating margins and underperforming investments as reasons for the restructuring, which includes potential strategic shifts for studios like Arkane.
Arkane founder asks Xbox CEO "how much" Microsoft wants for the studio: "I'm asking for a…Original Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio inquired about the potential sale price of the studio amidst Xbox's cost-cutting measures and planned divestments. Microsoft is reportedly exploring strategic options for Arkane, which could lead to its separation from Xbox, similar to other studios like Ninja Theory and Double Fine. Colantonio, who left Arkane in 2017 to form WolfeEye Studios, has previously been critical of Xbox's strategy and decisions, including the closure of Arkane Austin.
As ZeniMax also faces cuts, Xbox seeks a "significant overhaul" to focus on Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Quake, and other big franchisesMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant overhaul, including layoffs affecting approximately 3200 jobs and restructuring at ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks. The focus will shift to major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Quake, potentially impacting the future of other IPs and studios like Arkane.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
Xbox are parting ways with Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory in the course of thousands of layoffsMicrosoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 3200 employees and is parting ways with five Xbox-owned studios: Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory. Some studios will become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane's future is uncertain. CEO Asha Sharma cited rising costs, underperforming acquisitions, and a challenging industry landscape as reasons for the "reset."
As major Xbox shake-ups loom, former Wolfenstein studio head is now seemingly in charge of Marvel's Blade developer…Jerk Gustafsson, former co-founder and studio head of MachineGames, has seemingly taken over leadership of Arkane Lyon, the developer of Marvel's Blade. This change occurs amidst broader shake-ups at Xbox subsidiaries, with Arkane Lyon reportedly facing potential closure. The leadership shift, officially noted on June 30, suggests a potential restructuring for the studio.
Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Guns of Eschaton är ett ockult western-FPSA trailer has been released for Guns of Eschaton, an occult western FPS that was the last game worked on by the late Viktor Antonov, known for his art direction on Half-Life 2 and work on Dishonored. The game is described as a soulslike FPS set in an apocalyptic occult wild west, featuring over 20 weapons, unique abilities, and various ammunition types. It will be available in co-op and PvP modes for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, though a release date has not yet been announced.
Guns of Eschaton Is an Upcoming Soulslike FPS Set in an Occult Apocalyptic WestGuns of Eschaton is an upcoming Soulslike FPS set in an occult apocalyptic Wild West, developed by Eschatology Entertainment and published by 4Divinity. The game features a fragile protagonist, challenging combat with over 20 firearms, and a world shaped by occult horror and twisted mythology, with art direction from Viktor Antonov. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S with solo, co-op, and PvP modes.
007 developer suffers layoffs and Blade faces cancellation as Xbox cuts fundingMicrosoft is reportedly considering closing at least five studios, including Arkane Studios, which is working on Marvel's Blade, and has pulled funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. These cuts follow Xbox boss Asha Sharma's promise of a company 'reset' and are expected to lead to significant layoffs. While Arkane's Blade is at risk of cancellation due to budget overruns, IO Interactive remains committed to Project Fantasy despite the funding setback.
Dishonored developer Arkane is reportedly one of five studios Microsoft is targeting to close down as part of its big 'reset'Microsoft is reportedly considering closing down Arkane Studios, the developer of the Dishonored series and Marvel's Blade, as part of a major 'reset' plan for its Xbox division. Arkane is among five studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Undead Labs, whose futures are uncertain. The company is also planning significant layoffs, potentially affecting over 1,000 jobs, with cost-cutting measures impacting various parts of the division.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & GuidesIO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next projectXbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
Guns of Eschaton is a wild west soulslike FPS and posthumous release from the art director of Half-Life 2Guns of Eschaton, the first "soulslike FPS," has been revealed as the posthumous debut title from Eschatology Entertainment, co-founded by the late art director Viktor Antonov. The game is set in a dying, wild west-inspired world with fantastical elements and features challenging gunplay where every bullet matters. It will be playable solo or in co-op and also offers a PvP mode.