Jason Schreier
Reporting and statements that mention Jason Schreier.
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Bethesda Hit Hard by Layoffs, Studio Head Says “We Need to Change Course” – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly experienced significant layoffs, with studio head Jill Braff stating the company needs to "change course" to ensure a more stable foundation and sustainable growth. This shift involves focusing on its strongest franchises, The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, potentially impacting development on other titles. The move comes amid broader industry layoffs and aims to reposition Bethesda for future success.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Has Been Hit Hard by Layoffs, Content Roadmap “Will Be Shifting”
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has been significantly impacted by recent layoffs within Xbox. This has led to a reassessment of the MMORPG's content roadmap, with an updated schedule to be announced later. The article also mentions past layoffs at the studio, including the cancellation of an in-development MMO codenamed Blackbird.
Obsidian was also hit by "the Microsoft sacrificial rituals," says laid-off RPG veteran who previously worked…
Obsidian Entertainment has reportedly been affected by recent Xbox layoffs, with narrative designer Jay Turner and other developers confirming their departure. These cuts are part of a larger "reset" by Microsoft, which aims to reduce its workforce by 3,200 by fiscal year 2027. Reports suggest around 25% of Obsidian's staff, approximately 60-70 individuals, were impacted.
The games industry reacts to Xbox layoffs: 'We are clearly at a turning point'
Microsoft's Xbox division has announced significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 employees and leading to the closure or restructuring of four game studios. This move has drawn widespread reactions from industry figures, expressing shock, sorrow, and anger, with many calling it a turning point for the game industry. The layoffs occur amidst Microsoft's continued investment in artificial intelligence, a decision that has drawn criticism for its perceived prioritization over game development talent.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id Software
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced sweeping layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, or 20% of the organization. Several studios, including Bethesda, Zenimax Online Studios, and id Software, have confirmed job losses, with up to half of the team working on The Elder Scrolls Online reportedly impacted. Five studios are being divested, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs in the process of being acquired.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider
Despite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Microsoft Xbox is shedding 3200 games industry workers, Blizzard and ZeniMax are affected
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant layoffs, cutting 3,200 jobs, which represents 20% of its workforce. Affected studios include Blizzard Entertainment and ZeniMax Media, with Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games being sold or divested. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and requires a reset, while acknowledging the unlikelihood of achieving a daily active user count of 1 billion.
Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger Franchises
Xbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
Xbox Layoffs Won’t Stop Work on Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein
Despite significant layoffs impacting Xbox and its ZeniMax Media subsidiaries, work on franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ZeniMax will not be reduced to only developing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also undergoing management restructuring to streamline decision-making processes.
DOOM, The Elder Scrolls Online Studios “Cutting a Significant Number of Staff” – Rumor
Reports indicate that id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, both part of ZeniMax Media, are experiencing significant layoffs. While these studios are not closing, a substantial number of staff are being let go. This news follows broader layoffs at Xbox and impacts studios responsible for franchises like DOOM and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Comings and Goings
Despite earlier reports, Xbox is retaining Obsidian Entertainment, according to sources familiar with the situation. Separately, fewer than 10 employees remain at the studio Thick as Thieves.
Marvel’s Blade is Seemingly “Pretty Far Along” With Reveal Planned for 2026 – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is far along in development, with a potential reveal planned for 2026 and release in 2027. Despite reports of delays and Xbox potentially not wanting to fund further development, the game's existence is not officially confirmed, nor is the fate of Arkane Studios or other Xbox-owned studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Rumors claim Xbox wants to close Obsidian, but Jason Schreier says otherwise
Recent reports suggest Xbox is considering closing or selling several studios, including Obsidian Entertainment, due to financial pressures. However, journalist Jason Schreier has refuted claims that Obsidian is in negotiations to avoid closure, stating Xbox intends to keep the developer. The article also touches on frustrations within Xbox regarding leadership's focus on profitability and the impact of underperforming titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…
Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox 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.
South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games are allowing staff to openly seek new jobs ahead of possible Xbox layoffs, according to report
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, has reportedly given some staff permission to seek new employment ahead of potential layoffs at Xbox Game Studios in July. While no layoffs have occurred yet, developers have begun posting on LinkedIn about their availability for new roles. This situation is occurring amidst reports that Compulsion Games' future is uncertain, with possibilities including closure or spinning off into independence.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
Numerous employees at Microsoft-owned Compulsion Games are reportedly looking for new jobs, with some indicating they have been given permission to do so due to impending layoffs. While not officially confirmed as layoffs by studio leadership, the situation mirrors reports of potential closures and job cuts at other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory. These expected layoffs are anticipated to occur in early July, following the end of Microsoft's fiscal year.
Bungie Studio Head Is Reportedly Stepping Down
Bungie studio head Justin Truman is reportedly stepping down, less than a year after taking the role. This news follows significant layoffs at the company, impacting the Destiny 2 team and some members of the Marathon and Sony Interactive Entertainment support teams. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Herman Hulst stated the reduction was necessary to align resources with current priorities.
South of Midnight Studio Has Been Hit by Mass Layoffs – Rumor
A rumor from leaker Rebs Gaming suggests that Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, has experienced mass layoffs. Several employees have confirmed their departure on LinkedIn, including narrative designer Bijan Stephen and environment artist Paulette Richardson. Industry figures like Jason Schreier and Shawn Layden have commented on the situation, with Schreier suggesting Microsoft is punishing studios for past decisions and Layden stating Xbox shows a misunderstanding of the industry.
