Perfect Dark
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id Software Was Reportedly Considering Perfect Dark, A John Wick-Style Shooter And More Doom Before Xbox Layoffs
id Software experienced significant layoffs, leading to the cancellation of several projects including a new Perfect Dark game and an original IP. The studio's future creative direction is now uncertain following these workforce reductions.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
Evening Reading - July 6, 2026
The video game industry is facing significant challenges, with Microsoft confirming mass layoffs that will lead to Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games becoming independent. Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios, as its first Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue original Switch consoles in Europe in 2027, while Microsoft is being sued in Wisconsin over data center practices.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft'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.
Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
This article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
Top 200 best-selling Nintendo 64 games contain some surprising revelations
New sales data from Circana's Mat Piscatella reveals the top 200 best-selling Nintendo 64 games in the US, with Super Mario 64 topping the list. The rankings highlight the console's influential role in the transition to 3D gaming and include surprising entries like Pokémon Snap and Diddy Kong Racing in the top 10.
Community: "All-Consuming, Joyous, Heartbreaking" - Your Nintendo 64 Memories
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 by sharing cherished memories from its community. Readers recall experiences with iconic games like Super Mario 64, GoldenEye 007, and Mario Kart 64, highlighting the console's impact on local multiplayer and personal nostalgia.
5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
Microsoft 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 is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A 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.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox 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 to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – Rumor
Xbox 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.
Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces significant challenges in turning around the division's financial performance and strategic direction. Despite positive initial messaging and decisions like cutting Game Pass prices, the company must navigate difficult choices regarding its next-generation console, Project Helix, and the future of exclusive titles. With declining revenues and pressure to improve profitability, Sharma's execution of these tough decisions will be critical for Xbox's future.
Even with PS5 Ports, Many of Xbox's Games Have Been Underperfoming
An internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the division is operating at a 3% accountability margin, leading to layoffs. Many of Xbox's first-party games, even those with PlayStation 5 ports, have underperformed in sales and Xbox Game Pass engagement, failing to meet expectations.
Xbox preparing for mass layoffs as Project Helix implied for Christmas 2027
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs, potentially affecting around 1,000 employees, as the company faces declining revenue despite substantial investments. This comes as Xbox leadership discusses the high cost of console components and the need for new business models for the upcoming 'Project Helix,' rumored for a Christmas 2027 launch. The company has also seen multiple game cancellations and studio closures in recent years.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New 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.
Forza Horizon 6 Proves Xbox Still Has One Franchise No One Can Touch
Forza 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.
Bit Bot Expands Leadership with AAA Veterans, Appoints Halo's Frank O’Connor as Creative Director
Multimedia studio Bit Bot has expanded its leadership team, appointing Frank O'Connor, formerly of Halo fame, as Creative Director and Brian Ullrich as Studio General Manager. The studio aims to accelerate original IP development across games, film, comics, and merchandise, bringing in AAA veterans to bolster its creative and production capabilities.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th May)
Several Nintendo editors and contributors share their weekend gaming plans, which include titles like Tomodachi Life, Pragmata, Pentiment, and various Metroidvanias. There's also excitement for upcoming releases such as a Star Fox reimagining and a new Mina the Hollower release date.
Microsoft Killed MMO Project Blackbird Because It Was A Line Item On A Ledger, Dev Says
Former 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.
