Company Restructuring
Ongoing coverage on Company Restructuring.
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After laying off thousands, Ubisoft says losing "key talents and skills" is a big danger for the company
Ubisoft's latest annual report identifies the loss of key talent and skills, as well as a lack of attractiveness to new talent, as significant risks for the company. This comes amid broader industry layoffs and Ubisoft's own restructuring, which has seen thousands of jobs cut. The company is implementing succession plans and retention policies to mitigate these risks.
Xbox Does Not Plan to Replace Laid-Off Roles With H-1B Visa Hires, Says Microsoft
Microsoft communications lead Frank Shaw clarified that recent layoffs at Xbox, totaling around 1,600 roles, were part of a necessary restructuring and not an effort to replace employees with H-1B visa hires. He stated that H-1B visas represent a small percentage of Microsoft's overall workforce and are not specific to Xbox. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma also confirmed the layoffs and the closure of four studios, emphasizing that the decisions do not reflect the talent of the affected employees.
Microsoft Refutes Notion That Foreign-Worker Visas Were Behind Mass Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft communications lead Frank X. Shaw refuted claims that foreign-worker visas were the cause of recent mass layoffs affecting 1,600 people at Xbox. Shaw stated the workforce changes were due to a necessary business restructure, not to replace employees with foreign workers, and that H-1B visa holders represent a small percentage of the overall workforce and were not specific to Xbox.
'I find myself in the novel position of looking for a job' — 27-year Bethesda veteran who designed Skyrim's humanoid races and a Microsoft dev behind Xbox backwards compatibility have been laid off
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring, leading to the layoff of thousands of employees, including industry veterans Christiane Meister from Bethesda Game Studios and Kevin LaChapelle from Xbox. Meister, who designed races for The Elder Scrolls series, and LaChapelle, a lead developer for Xbox's backward compatibility, are now seeking new employment. This wave of layoffs also affected studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Layoffs begin at Ubisoft Barcelona following Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launch
Ubisoft Barcelona has laid off 51 employees following the launch of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The studio will now focus exclusively on the Rainbow Six franchise. This move is part of a larger restructuring effort by Ubisoft to save €200 million and improve game quality.
'All options are on the table, considering the drastic measure already put in place' — Could Microsoft sell Xbox? Analysts say it's too expensive for that, but that it could be dismantled piece by piece
Industry analysts are discussing the potential sale or dismantling of Microsoft's Xbox division amidst a significant restructuring. While a full sale is considered unlikely due to its high cost, analysts suggest that individual studios or intellectual properties might be sold off piecemeal. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has acknowledged the business is 'not healthy' and is implementing changes to improve its financial performance and strategic direction.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Blizzard eliminates 'small number' of roles in China
Blizzard Entertainment has eliminated a small number of roles in China as part of an operational model evolution in the region. Studio president Johanna Faries stated these changes are intended to strengthen regional publishing and product management capabilities. This news follows broader layoffs announced by Xbox, impacting thousands of employees across Microsoft's gaming division.
State of Decay 3 could reportedly skip Xbox Game Pass after Microsoft dumped its studio
Following Microsoft's significant restructure and layoffs, Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, is reportedly moving to a new management structure or becoming independent. This change could mean that State of Decay 3 will not be required to launch on Xbox Game Pass, despite its recent gameplay reveal and 2027 release window.
id Software Allegedly Cut In Half By Xbox Reset
Xbox is undergoing significant layoffs, impacting approximately 1,600 jobs. id Software has been hit particularly hard, with reports suggesting up to half of its staff may be cut, raising concerns about the studio's future projects and direction.
Blizzard devs in the dark for now as president of the World of Warcraft and Diablo studio says they "can expect to hear more" soon about Microsoft's plan for the studio as Xbox faces 3,200 job cuts
Amid significant layoffs impacting approximately 3,200 positions at Xbox, Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries has communicated to staff that more details regarding the studio's future under Microsoft will be shared soon. While Blizzard's major franchises like World of Warcraft and Diablo appear largely untouched for now, the company is bracing for potential restructuring and changes in the coming months.
Bethesda pivots to "franchise-centric" planning model amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda is shifting to a franchise-centric planning model to focus on long-term growth and stability, as announced by CEO Jill Braff. This change occurs amidst a broader Xbox restructuring that includes 3,200 job cuts and downsizing at several studios like ZeniMax Online Studios and Arkane Lyon.
Zenimax omorganiseras för att fokusera på sina stora varumärken
ZeniMax Media is undergoing a significant restructuring to concentrate on its major franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This reorganization follows recent layoffs at Xbox and involves some studios becoming independent or being sold, though ZeniMax itself retains its studios.
Xbox to cut 3200 jobs in the new financial year
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 3,200 jobs being cut over the next fiscal year, including 1,600 immediately. Five game development studios are also departing, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, while Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane Studios are in various stages of negotiation or consultation for new ownership. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited unhealthy business margins and a strategic shift towards AI investment as reasons for the cuts.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Xbox CEO Says “We Simply Spread Ourselves Too Thin” Following Layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the division "spread ourselves too thin" by making numerous unsuccessful bets, leading to recent layoffs affecting approximately 1,600 employees. As part of a restructuring, four studios are being let go, with Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions becoming independent, and Undead Labs and Ninja Theory being sold. Sharma also confirmed further job cuts are planned and announced organizational changes, including a new COO, Helen Chiang.
CEO admits Xbox sees three to 10 times lower margins than "comparable platform and publishing businesses" after Game Pass and multiplatform bets didn't pay off
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a major restructuring for Microsoft's gaming division, including 3,200 job cuts by fiscal year 2027, citing profit margins that are significantly lower than comparable businesses. Sharma admitted that bets on Game Pass and multiplatform releases did not grow as expected, leading to a weakening of the core business and necessitating a reset. Several studios are being spun off or sold as part of this strategic shift.
As Xbox Tries to Sell or Close Arkane, the Future of Marvel's Blade Remains Unclear, With Reports Suggesting It Was Delayed Internally and Is Running Over Budget
The future of Marvel's Blade is uncertain as Microsoft considers selling or closing its developer, Arkane Lyon. Reports indicate the game has faced internal delays and is exceeding its budget, casting doubt on its development status.
Xbox Announces Biggest Restructure in Company History as Thousands of Jobs Are Cut | Invision Game Community
Xbox is undergoing its largest restructuring, involving approximately 3,200 job cuts and changes to its studio structure. Xbox President Asha Sharma stated the current business model is unsustainable due to increasing costs and slower-than-expected growth. Several studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will become independent, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are expected to transition to new ownership.
The Most Significant Restructure in Xbox History: Live Report
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, which includes layoffs affecting staff, studios, and games. This live report will cover all the developing news surrounding these changes within the company.