Matt Booty
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Project Helix reportedly launching in late 2028, projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800
Xbox is reportedly planning a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix' for a late 2028 launch, with an estimated price of $1,200 to $1,800. The company is also developing a new handheld device for late next year and considering a tiered Game Pass overhaul. These plans come amidst significant restructuring, including layoffs and a reassessment of past business strategies.
Xbox Survey About Exclusives Includes A Nuclear Strategy, But Wait Just A Minute
Microsoft's Xbox division is surveying users about potentially making all first-party games, except Call of Duty, console-exclusive to Xbox. This includes potentially removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. The survey also polled opinions on making Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Diablo console-exclusive.
Xbox CEO unveils 'new Xbox division' for game-adjacent ventures named 'XP'
Xbox has launched a new division named XP, which will manage non-gaming ventures such as film and TV production, live events, and product creation. The division, led by Mojang's Kayleen Walters, aims to expand the Xbox brand's reach through transmedia projects like the upcoming Minecraft movie sequel and physical events like Blizzcon. This announcement comes amidst recent layoffs and a strategic "reset" initiative within the Xbox division.
What’s Next For Halo Under Activision? Probably Not The Endless
Halo is transitioning to Activision's management, with a new team taking over development while 343 Industries is significantly downsized. The article reveals details about the alien faction known as the Endless, which may not feature in future Halo titles under Activision. This shift occurs as Microsoft emphasizes major franchises amidst widespread layoffs and studio divestitures.
Halo Studios says "it is absolutely our intent" to release new Halo book, despite layoffs and a rumored lore reboot from Activision
Halo Studios is determined to release the upcoming Halo novel "Fireteam Noble" despite recent layoffs and a rumored lore reboot affecting the franchise. Franchise writer Alex Wakeford confirmed that significant editorial work has been completed and efforts are underway to ensure the book's completion, while also stating intent to finish the "Burn the Road Home" novella. The future of other Halo projects remains uncertain amidst these behind-the-scenes shakeups.
Report: Ninja Theory lays off workers after failing to spin off from Xbox
Ninja Theory is reportedly undergoing layoffs after Microsoft failed to find a buyer or a way to keep the studio operational under Xbox. The developer, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has seen several employees post about their roles being at risk. This follows a broader "reset" within Xbox that led to 3200 job cuts and the successful divestiture of Undead Labs.
Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory developers are facing redundancy as the studio begins layoffs following widespread cuts at Xbox. Despite attempts to sell the studio, proposed sale agreements fell through, leading to a consultation process and eventual job losses. This news comes after Xbox announced a major restructuring and 3,200 planned job cuts.
Hellblade Developer Ninja Theory Has Begun Layoffs
Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade, has begun layoffs following the failure of two agreements with Xbox. Several developers have announced their departures on LinkedIn, with some expressing sadness over unfinished projects. This follows a pattern of recent layoffs within Xbox, impacting studios like Halo and Turn 10.
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Veteran Halo lead has suggestions for how Activision could actually make "the greatest Halo game ever," and they include hiring "Bungie, Halo Studios, and other laid-off folks"
Veteran Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three distinct paths for Activision to create a successful Halo game, including a return to classic gameplay, a radical reinvention, or adapting the IP to modern business models. He specifically suggests hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios, noting the talent pool available after recent Microsoft layoffs.
Microsoft boss Nadella says Xbox has to invent "sustainable business model"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must invent a sustainable business model to reach more players, viewing recent layoffs and studio closures under Asha Sharma as positive "streamlining." Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox returning to growth in the next fiscal year, emphasizing the goal of being a leading publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's 'streamlining' process is 'great to see' following its most recent…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on the recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring, describing the process as "great to see" and comparing it to streamlining a Formula 1 car. Despite significant job cuts and studio closures, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to grow as a publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox consoles.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Inside Xbox, "the only concrete thing they have communicated is they want higher profits, and they want it…
An id Software employee reports that ongoing layoffs at Xbox are exacerbating management chaos and making it difficult to meet Microsoft's high profit expectations. Despite corporate communication about a business 'reset,' the employee states the only clear goal is immediate profit increases, leading to low morale and unrealistic goals for game development.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
As Halo goes to Activision, fans are worried about this year's Halo Fest and a potential lore reboot from the Call of Duty publisher
Activision is set to develop the next Halo game, a move that has sparked significant concern among fans regarding potential lore reboots and the future of the franchise. This development follows widespread layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including within the Halo development teams, leading to uncertainty about events like Halo Fest and the overall direction of the series.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Gears of War: E-Day Story Director Laid Off Just Before Launch
Juan Vaca, the story director for Gears of War: E-Day, was laid off from The Coalition as part of recent Xbox job cuts. Vaca announced his departure after the game reached its gold milestone, stating he is seeking new opportunities. This follows a larger wave of layoffs impacting Xbox Game Studios, with further cuts expected at Blizzard.