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Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månader
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.
GTA 6 Release Date Confirmed Again By CEO Who Also Explains Why It’s Taking So Long
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is still on track for its November 19 release date. He explained that the extended development time is due to Rockstar Games' ambition to create an unprecedented experience. Zelnick also shared insights on business integrity and career advice.
Another Xbocalypse begins: Microsoft are reportedly closing or spinning off Double Fine, Ninja Theory and Compulsion
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing or spinning off studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of a broader business restructuring. This follows recent layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures across Xbox. The affected studios are known for critically acclaimed but not commercially massive titles like Psychonauts, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and South of Midnight.
Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja Theory
Microsoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
Xbox reportedly looking to spin off several studios to avoid closures
Reports indicate Xbox is considering spinning off several internal studios, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games, to prevent their closure amid rumored layoffs. This follows a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need for the division to become profitable and sustainable.
Report: Multiple Xbox game studio heads negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure
Multiple Xbox game studio heads are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to spin off their studios into independent companies to avoid closure. This comes as Microsoft's gaming division undergoes a 'business reset' and considers major layoffs. Studios like Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight, are specifically mentioned as potentially shutting down, though leadership is in talks to preserve their future.
Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to close
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning to close multiple Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios, with potential spin-offs for Double Fine. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also stepped down amid these reports. These potential closures follow underperforming titles like South of Midnight and Redfall, and broader industry discussions about the sustainability of day-one Game Pass releases.
Latest Microsoft victim reportedly being closed after releasing one game since Xbox acquisition
Microsoft is reportedly closing Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, eight years after acquiring it. This move is part of a larger downsizing within Xbox, which has seen thousands of layoffs and is expected to continue. South of Midnight, Compulsion's only release since the 2018 acquisition, received critical acclaim and awards.
Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Several Xbox first-party studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to spin off as independent entities. This news follows comments from CEO Satya Nadella about Xbox needing to become a sustainable business. Compulsion Games' title 'South of Midnight' was recently released on PlayStation 5.
Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Reports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.
Report: Two former Rare execs are leaving Xbox
Two former Rare executives, Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor, are departing from Xbox. Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, and O'Connor, chief of staff, leave amidst reports of a 'business reset' and potential layoffs within Xbox. These departures follow a period of significant changes and discussions about the future sustainability of the Xbox division.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” Xbox
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, is departing Microsoft after 15 years, along with his chief of staff Louise O'Connor. These changes precede reported layoffs and potential studio closures as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset" the business. The departures follow comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the need to make Xbox a sustainable business.
Capcom Says Betting On Teams Instead Of Visionaries Changed The Company
Capcom attributes its recent success to a shift from individual-driven development to a team-first mentality. This change, implemented after examining responsibilities to shareholders, involved rebuilding titles from the ground up with a team-based approach, leading to significant transformation despite potential temporary sales dips. This strategy contrasts with creator-driven games, which can be tied to the ideas of a single person.
Xbox Game Studios head leaves after less than 2 years: "I'm proud to say we delivered many flawless…
Craig Duncan has departed from his role as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, capping a longer career at Microsoft. He announced his exit in a memo to staff, highlighting the delivery of "flawless launches" during his tenure. Louise O'Connor, who also had a long history with Rare, is leaving as well. The teams will report to Xbox CCO Matt Booty until a replacement is found, amidst ongoing rumors of an "Xbox reset" including potential layoffs and restructuring.
Microsoft Boss Wants Xbox to Start Pulling Its Weight Financially
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the Xbox division needs to become more profitable, acknowledging that the company has been subsidizing entertainment rather than monetizing it effectively. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is tasked with reassessing the division's strategy to ensure economic sustainability in game development and hardware.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step down
Xbox Game Studios leader Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down from their roles. Duncan, who previously led Rare, oversaw numerous internal studios, while O'Connor was an executive producer at Rare. Their departures coincide with reports of potential job cuts and a business 'reset' at Xbox.
EA Announces New Plan To Launch Ads “Directly Into Gameplay” After Working On In-Game Ads For Decades Already
Electronic Arts has unveiled EA Advertising, a new platform designed to integrate ads directly into gameplay without disrupting the player experience. This initiative aims to reach EA's 120 million monthly players and comes amid financial pressures, including a potential $55 billion sale to an investor consortium. While EA claims ads will enhance gameplay, past attempts like pause-screen ads in EA Sports UFC 4 faced significant player backlash.
Xbox to pour more development into Fallout, Halo, and Elder Scrolls franchises, report says
A report indicates that Microsoft is shifting its focus for Xbox, prioritizing accelerated development and increased funding for future titles in the Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises. This strategic change comes amid reports of potential major layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division and considerations about Xbox's future structure, including its potential separation as a subsidiary or even sale.