Asha Sharma
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Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Layoffs Affect 213 Employees
ZeniMax Online Studios has laid off 213 employees, a significant portion of its workforce, following Microsoft's broader layoffs impacting Xbox. This reduction has led to a shift in the content roadmap for the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. Former employees expressed disappointment and concern over the impact on the game's development and the team's well-being.
New Fallout in the Works at Obsidian, Avowed 2 Cancelled – Rumor
According to reports, Obsidian Entertainment is developing a new Fallout title, potentially directed by Josh Sawyer, who previously worked on Fallout: New Vegas. This comes as Avowed 2 and other unannounced projects have reportedly been cancelled following an internal reset at Xbox. While Avowed 2 may continue development temporarily, the studio is shifting focus to the new Fallout game.
DOOM Studio Pitched New Perfect Dark, John Wick-Style Projects Before Layoffs – Rumor
Rumors suggest id Software pitched several new projects, including a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired sci-fi noir game codenamed Fury, before recent layoffs significantly impacted its staff. These proposed titles were intended to diversify beyond the DOOM franchise. The studio's future as a standalone team is now uncertain following extensive job cuts, which are part of broader layoffs at Microsoft.
Microsoft, Please Don’t Ruin Minecraft
Microsoft's new CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly looking to increase investment in Minecraft, drawing comparisons to Roblox's business model. This shift, occurring amidst significant studio cuts within Xbox, raises concerns that Microsoft may alter Minecraft's core gameplay and creative freedom to boost profitability, potentially moving away from its established identity as a sandbox for crafting and survival.
Xbox Kills Obsidian’s Avowed Sequel In The Wake Of Layoffs – Report
Xbox has reportedly cancelled the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's action-RPG Avowed and laid off approximately a quarter of the studio's staff. The cancellation is part of a larger strategic reset by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, with Obsidian now focusing on the Fallout franchise. While the Avowed sequel was progressing well, it did not align with Xbox's current strategy, though a small chance of its revival remains.
Xbox Game Pass subscriber numbers dropped by four million after price hike
Xbox Game Pass has reportedly lost four million subscribers over the past two years, falling to 30 million. This decline is largely attributed to a significant price increase implemented last year for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft's initial goal was to reach 77 million subscribers by fiscal year 2027, a target that now appears unlikely to be met.
17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
Minecraft is introducing craftable cushions and new straw beds in its latest preview build, allowing players new ways to rest. These additions come as Mojang, an Xbox-owned studio, is impacted by significant layoffs affecting numerous gaming companies.
Opinion: Welcome to the house of pain, brought to you by Xbox
Xbox is facing significant layoffs and studio closures despite massive investments in mergers and acquisitions, including the $70 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard King. CEO Asha Sharma cited a failure to meet growth expectations for Game Pass and multi-platform strategies as reasons for the 'reset,' which has resulted in over 7,000 job cuts across the company since January 2024, with more planned.
MMO Business Roundup: Microsoft is why we can’t have nice things
Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs has significantly impacted its gaming divisions, including studios like Id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about the quality and release schedules of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls Online. The article highlights the negative consequences of these business decisions on employees, game development, and player experience, drawing criticism from industry figures and politicians alike.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma pins layoffs on Phil Spencer's regime spreading the company "too thin", while claiming a "a healthy Xbox" could weather the RAM storm
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma attributes recent layoffs and studio closures to a strategy of spreading resources too thin under Phil Spencer's leadership. Sharma suggested that a healthier Xbox would have been better equipped to handle the current hardware crisis, implying that the company's current struggles are a direct result of past strategic decisions.
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were impacted by recent layoffs at Xbox, which saw 3,200 positions eliminated and five studios divested. The CWA is pursuing legal and contractual actions to protect affected workers, including bargaining for severance and recall rights. Union leaders criticized Microsoft's treatment of employees and expressed disappointment with slow progress on contract negotiations, while Xbox leadership cited strategic overextension as a reason for the cuts.
The Elder Scrolls Online’s Former Content Designer Says The Team “Deserved Much Better”
Former content designer Andrew Young expressed disappointment over recent layoffs at Zenimax Online Studios, stating the team deserved better and that the studio may not have enough staff left to maintain its content roadmap. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed widespread layoffs across the division, with more planned, while announcing leadership changes within the Xbox division.
Xbox layoffs hit accessibility leadership, calling into question Microsoft's continued commitment to accessibility…
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting leadership roles in accessibility and raising concerns about the company's commitment to inclusive gaming initiatives. Despite assurances from Microsoft that accessibility remains a priority, the departure of key personnel involved in projects like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and accessibility training programs casts doubt on future efforts.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma points the finger at Phil Spencer's strategy for yesterday's sweeping layoffs: 'We…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has attributed recent sweeping layoffs and studio spinoffs to the previous strategy under Phil Spencer, stating that "we spread ourselves too thin" by making too many bets and not focusing on the core business. Sharma believes a return to a more conventional, console-focused approach is necessary for Xbox's health, despite rising hardware costs and potential customer debt from new financing models.
Microsoft Spent $80 Billion On Its Bet For Xbox Game Pass. It Did Not Work.
A report indicates Microsoft spent nearly $80 billion over the past decade on initiatives to boost Xbox and Xbox Game Pass, but these efforts did not meet growth expectations. Despite significant investments in acquisitions and third-party deals, Game Pass subscriber numbers have stagnated, leading to recent layoffs and studio divestitures as Microsoft aims to refocus its strategy.
Xbox’s New Plan After Brutal Cuts: Focus On The Thing Called Xbox
Following significant layoffs, Xbox is refocusing its strategy on its core business, including its flagship console hardware and major IPs like Minecraft. This shift aims to address issues like spreading resources too thin and declining hardware revenue, despite industry-wide cost increases and component shortages. The restructuring also involves making some studios independent or selling them off.
State of Decay 3 could reportedly skip Xbox Game Pass after Microsoft dumped its studio
Following Microsoft's significant restructure and layoffs, Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, is reportedly moving to a new management structure or becoming independent. This change could mean that State of Decay 3 will not be required to launch on Xbox Game Pass, despite its recent gameplay reveal and 2027 release window.
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.
Xbox CEO amidst layoffs: 'I think our core has to be healthy'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma addressed significant layoffs and a major restructure within the company, stating the core business needs to be healthy. She highlighted the need for new business models, including exploring hardware options like 'buy now, pay later' and expanding availability on mobile and PC. Sharma also noted that Xbox's operating margins are considerably lower than comparable businesses, attributing challenges to surging component costs and overextending studio systems.
