Matt Booty
Reporting and statements that mention Matt Booty.
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Hellblade developer Ninja Theory to be shut down in new wave of Xbox cuts, as two separate agreements collapse
Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, is facing closure as part of new Xbox cuts. This follows the collapse of two separate business agreements, leading to a consultation process with employees. The studio was also working on a new entry in the Hellblade action-adventure series titled Senua.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Hellblade Studio Potentially Shutting Down After Prior Agreements Fall Through
Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, is reportedly facing closure after two separation agreements with Xbox fell through. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty confirmed that the company is consulting with employees on a proposed closure while exploring other options. This news comes amidst broader studio reorganizations within Xbox, affecting other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Xbox 100-Day Reset Gets First Big Win with Gears of War E-Day
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic reset is showing early results with the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day reaching its 'gold' milestone. The game's launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass signifies a renewed focus on console exclusives and a more concentrated studio portfolio for Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is "not going to shoot my dog," says now-independent Double Fine boss Tim Schafer, who initially opposed Microsoft ownership because "you guys love closing studios"
Double Fine has regained its independence from Microsoft, with founder Tim Schafer expressing relief that new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is not planning to close studios. Schafer initially opposed the acquisition due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, but found the experience under Phil Spencer and Matt Booty to be largely positive until recent leadership changes. The studio announced its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, shortly after regaining independence, though it also had to lay off 23 employees.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Exclusivity Question Avoided by Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and other executives have avoided clarifying the exclusivity status of The Elder Scrolls 6. While acknowledging the need for exclusive content, Sharma stated that the game is 'beautiful' when pressed on the matter, and other Xbox strategists have indicated a continued commitment to exclusives.
Xbox to focus on "efficiency and affordability alongside performance" for next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and innovations in AI
Xbox is prioritizing efficiency and affordability alongside performance for its next-generation console, acknowledging rising hardware costs and advancements in AI. Xbox boss Asha Sharma stated that the industry needs to innovate in affordability and efficiency to provide players with more choices. Sharma also discussed the company's stance on AI, emphasizing a commitment to human-crafted games and avoiding 'soulless AI slop'.
New Banjo-Kazooie releases are "native ports," so devs could add cut content and "bonus features" to…
Evercade has released a new physical collection of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, utilizing brand new native ports instead of emulation. These ports allow for the addition of cut content and quality-of-life features, such as a tip-toe button, improved camera controls, and the ability to skip cutscenes. Xbox executive Matt Booty also commented on the potential for legacy IP like Banjo-Kazooie.
Xbox Series X25 Console Slated for November 27th Launch, Will Cost $900 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft will launch a limited-edition Xbox Series X25 console on November 27th for $899.99, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with a design reminiscent of the original Xbox. The console is expected to feature a translucent green shell and come bundled with a similarly themed controller. This follows recent branding changes within Microsoft Gaming to Xbox under CEO Asha Sharma, despite significant layoffs.
Fable deserves a "chance to shine" – which is why Xbox should delay it one final time
This opinion piece argues that Xbox should delay the upcoming RPG Fable one final time to ensure it has a clear runway for success. Despite its February 23, 2027 release date, the game faces significant competition from other major titles, including God of War Laufey, which could overshadow Fable's launch and impact its potential to drive growth for the Xbox platform.
Now that The Elder Scrolls 6 is playable, Bethesda's RPG nightmare of its own making is nearly over
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has had a playable playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6, indicating a significant development milestone for Bethesda's long-awaited RPG. While not close to release, this marks progress after years of minimal information and development challenges, including the launches of Starfield and Fallout 76. The playable demo suggests the game is moving towards completion, which is crucial for Xbox's upcoming console generation.
Xbox leadership's words are drowned out by their actions
Despite assurances from Xbox leadership, the company's actions, including mass layoffs and studio closures, paint a grim picture for its talent and future projects. While executives like Asha Sharma mention upcoming games like The Elder Scrolls 6, these words are seen as empty promises contrasting with the reality of job cuts at studios like id Software and Bethesda.
Xbox's CEO teased that she's seen The Elder Scrolls 6, so now we have to guess what it's called
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma described a 'live playthrough' of The Elder Scrolls 6 as 'incredible,' praising its scale, grandeur, and story. The article speculates on the game's title, noting the eight asterisks in Sharma's tweet and discussing potential subtitles based on lore and rumored locations like High Rock and Hammerfell.
Xbox's FanFest world tour is still going ahead, for some reason, even after Microsoft fired the guy who created it
Despite recent layoffs, Microsoft's Xbox division is proceeding with its global FanFest tour, an event created by Chris Munson, who was among those let go. The tour includes stops in Cologne, Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Sydney, Toronto, and Seattle, with specific dates announced for Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show. This continuation of the fan event comes amidst broader restructuring and significant price increases for Xbox consoles in Europe.
'I have been hunted down by HR reps, lawyers, and comms people:' Developers discuss the pain and prevalence of side work clauses
Developers discuss the prevalence and impact of restrictive side work clauses in the video game industry, where companies often claim ownership of personal projects. While some employees have successfully negotiated these terms, many face broad restrictions that hinder personal and professional growth. Legal experts note that clauses are generally enforceable if the side work falls within the scope of employment, emphasizing the importance of transparency and written agreements.
The Elder Scrolls 6’s Development Roadmap Hasn’t Been Affected by Layoffs, Says Bethesda
Bethesda Game Studios has stated that its development roadmap for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains unaffected by recent Xbox-wide layoffs, despite significant job losses across its studios. While the company assures progress is on track, former employees express concerns about the impact of losing experienced staff. Director Todd Howard and Xbox CCO Matt Booty have previously indicated the game is progressing well, though a release window remains unannounced.
'I can assure you, Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are not the only titles we're planning' — Xbox's chief strategy officer confirms the company wants to make more exclusives, but 'large live-service titles' will be multiplatform going forward
Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball confirmed that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are just the first of many planned exclusive titles for Xbox consoles and PC. While large live-service games will be multiplatform, single-player exclusives are a key strategy to incentivize console purchases, according to chief content officer Matt Booty.
Xbox says its return to console exclusives is permanent
Xbox leadership, including Matt Booty and Matthew Ball, has stated that the company's return to console exclusives is permanent. While games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be permanent exclusives to Xbox and PC, the definition of exclusivity is being clarified, especially concerning day-one PC releases. This strategy aims to provide a compelling reason for consumers to purchase Xbox hardware.
No new Halo games are currently in production for any console reveals insider
According to insider reports, no new Halo games are currently in full production beyond the upcoming remake Halo: Campaign Evolved. Halo Studios is reportedly focusing on early concepts for future projects, with plans for a sequel to Halo Infinite and other titles being delayed or cancelled. This comes amid concerns about the franchise's direction and Microsoft's broader gaming strategy, including potential multiplatform releases for future titles.
