Everwild
News, coverage and analysis tracking Everwild across the outlets.- Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Sea of Thieves Developer Rare is “On the Block” Ahead of Xbox’s Mass Layoffs – RumorReports suggest that Sea of Thieves developer Rare may be affected by upcoming mass layoffs at Xbox, potentially impacting over 1,000 staff. While the studio's closure is not confirmed, this follows previous restructuring after the cancellation of Everwild. Layoffs are reportedly expected around July 6th.
5 promising games recently cancelled by MicrosoftMicrosoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be AheadXbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – ReportA report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
Amid reports of closures to Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan is stepping down from…Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are stepping down amid reports of significant layoffs and the closure of studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, had been CEO for less than two years. These changes follow a strategic "Xbox reset" outlined by CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Games Studios loses two top execs, days after Microsoft CEO calls for company "reset"Xbox Games Studios leader Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have departed Microsoft, shortly after CEO Asha Sharma called for a business "reset." The departures follow reports of impending mass layoffs within the company. Duncan and O'Connor are veterans of Rare, having worked on titles like Sea of Thieves and the cancelled Everwild.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – RumorXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have reportedly stepped down. Duncan stated in an email that his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, and he is proud of the launches achieved during his 20-month tenure. Matt Booty is expected to oversee Xbox Game Studios in the interim, amidst rumors of further layoffs and potential studio closures at Xbox.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cutsNew Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
"The difference is not just that you can’t fight back, it’s that you feel like you shouldn’t": Alien Isolation's lead designer wants you to "respect" the dinos in The Lost WildThe Lost Wild's lead designer Gary Napper emphasizes a design philosophy of respecting dinosaurs as living creatures rather than monsters, drawing parallels to his work on Alien: Isolation. Unlike Alien: Isolation's focus on player power fantasy, The Lost Wild aims to make players feel vulnerable and encourage non-violent interaction with the prehistoric inhabitants of its island setting.
Forza Horizon 6 Proves Xbox Still Has One Franchise No One Can TouchForza Horizon 6 continues the franchise's streak of critical acclaim, earning high Metascores and praise for its visuals, gameplay, and open-world design in Japan. This consistent excellence stands in contrast to the struggles of other Xbox franchises like Halo and Gears of War. Playground Games' ability to deliver on fan expectations and maintain quality is highlighted as the key to Forza Horizon's enduring success.
Microsoft Killed MMO Project Blackbird Because It Was A Line Item On A Ledger, Dev SaysFormer The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor revealed that Microsoft canceled ZeniMax's Project Blackbird due to financial reasons, with the project being viewed as just a number on a ledger during a business review. Firor described the cancellation as a heartbreaking but understandable business decision, noting the cyclical nature of the video game industry compared to more predictable revenue streams. Following the cancellation and layoffs, some former employees formed the new studio Sackbird Studios.
A $1,000 PS6 And Xbox Helix Are Dangerous For The Future Of GamingThis article discusses concerns about the future of gaming, particularly regarding potential high-priced next-generation consoles like a hypothetical $1,000 PlayStation 6 and Xbox Helix. It touches on the anticipation for upcoming titles like Halo, The Elder Scrolls VI, and Gears of War: E-Day, while also noting the current perceived lack of major first-party releases from PlayStation compared to Xbox.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As Xbox BossThis analysis breaks down Phil Spencer's tenure as Xbox boss from 2014 to 2026, highlighting both successes like backward compatibility and the launch of Xbox Game Pass, and failures such as studio closures, game cancellations, and price hikes. The article details major events year-by-year, concluding with Spencer's retirement and the challenges facing Xbox under new leadership.