Jason Schreier
Reporting and statements that mention Jason Schreier.
Latest coverage
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bungie Announces Layoffs and Reorganization After Destiny 2 “Fell Short” in the Past Several Years
Bungie has announced significant layoffs and a studio reorganization, citing that Destiny 2 has fallen short of expectations in recent years. While the exact number of affected employees is not disclosed, reports suggest a substantial portion of the studio's workforce may be impacted. The company stated these changes are necessary for its future positioning, with no immediate plans for Destiny 3.
God of War: Laufey Could Be Released In February Or March
Journalist Jason Schreier speculates that God of War: Laufey might be released in February or March. This potential delay could be to avoid direct competition with Grand Theft Auto VI, which is rumored to launch at a higher price point of $80.
Don’t Expect The Chaos Caused By GTA 6’s Release Date To End This November
The release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 is expected to cause significant disruption in the gaming industry beyond its launch date. Developers are already avoiding releasing games near its launch, and potential future updates, ports, and a new Grand Theft Auto Online component will continue to impact player attention, media coverage, and storage space for other titles for years to come. This ongoing influence, even for single-player games, highlights the long-term industry impact of major releases.
God of War Laufey Could Launch in February or March 2027 – Rumor
According to a rumor from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, God of War Laufey might be announced for a February or March 2027 release. This potential release window comes amidst speculation that other games are being delayed to early 2027, potentially creating a crowded launch period. Neither PlayStation nor Santa Monica Studio has officially confirmed a release date for the game.
MMO Business Roundup: Global games revenue, Sony’s store lawsuit, and Microsoft’s impending ‘bloodbath’
This industry roundup covers several key topics: Sony faces a lawsuit over its PlayStation Store "buy now" buttons, global games revenue reached $201.6 billion in 2025 with mobile dominating sales, and Microsoft is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs within its Xbox division.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy for releasing first-party single-player games on PC, with CEO Hideaki Nishino confirming that such titles will now be exclusive to PlayStation platforms due to insufficient revenue. Live-service games, however, will continue to be released on both PC and PlayStation 5 to reach a wider audience.
PlayStation’s Inconsistency of PC Releases and Lack of Revenue Led to Recent Exclusivity Shift – Rumor
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy, making single-player narrative games exclusive to PlayStation consoles due to inconsistent PC release performance and insufficient revenue. While live-service titles will still launch on PC alongside PlayStation 5, plans for PC ports of games like Ghost of Yōtei have been scrapped. This decision was apparently made recently, impacting future game releases.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.
