Franchise Management
Ongoing coverage on Franchise Management.
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Sonic would have been axed by Sega if it wasn't for the movie
Sega was reportedly planning to cancel the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise before the success of the live-action movies, according to Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka. The first film's box office performance is credited with saving the series, which had faced internal struggles. While the movies have revitalized the brand, recent game releases like Sonic Superstars have underperformed, though Sonic Frontiers has been a commercial success.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
Obsidian Will Retain Leadership and “Creative Identity” Under Bethesda – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its leadership and creative identity while reporting to Bethesda under a new organizational structure within Xbox. This change comes amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, raising concerns for Obsidian's future despite assurances of continued creative independence and ongoing work on a new Fallout project.
Halo Studios didn't have the chance to launch even one original title before Xbox decided to let Call of Duty…
Microsoft has shut down Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) after 268 layoffs, with the Halo franchise now being transferred to Activision. The studio never launched an original title, only a remake of Halo: Campaign Evolved, before its closure. This move is part of broader restructuring within Xbox Game Studios, which has seen significant cuts across multiple developers.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Activision Is Making The Next Halo Game, Halo Studios Shifts To Support Role
Activision is now in charge of developing the next Halo game, with Halo Studios being reduced to a support role. This significant shake-up by Microsoft also involves job losses and major changes for the franchise.
Xbox lay off 268 people as Activision take over Halo and Rare, while Obsidian become part of Bethesda, plus Forza and Fable studios merge
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and restructuring several studios. Activision is taking over the Halo franchise, while Rare and World's Edge are folded under its umbrella. Obsidian Entertainment is now part of Bethesda, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have merged. Ninja Theory is facing potential closure, and the future of Arkane Studios remains uncertain.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
All The Major Xbox Changes Microsoft Announced Today: Layoffs, Halo Goes To Activision, And Lots More
Microsoft announced significant restructuring within its Xbox division, including 268 layoffs affecting various first-party studios like Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while Bethesda expands to oversee Obsidian Entertainment. Several studios face potential closure or consolidation, such as Ninja Theory and the merging of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, transferring Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, and proposing the closure of Ninja Theory. The company also confirmed 268 roles have been cut across various studios, including Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). Other studios like Obsidian Entertainment have been transferred to Bethesda, while Undead Labs will continue to develop State of Decay 3 with a new publisher.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Consultant Christian Fonnesbech argues that switching main characters in game sequels is a significant business risk, as characters are a primary emotional connection for players and a valuable IP asset. While artistic choices like introducing female protagonists in Hades 2 can be successful, Fonnesbech questions their long-term business impact and suggests maintaining character continuity is crucial for franchise success, citing examples like Tomb Raider and James Bond.
Oh lord, Konami want yearly Silent Hill games alongside vaguely described "experiences," just don't let that be another movie
Konami aims for annual releases of new Silent Hill games, with producer Motoi Okamoto stating that multiple projects are in development. While Silent Hill: Townfall and Silent Hill f are upcoming titles, Okamoto indicated that future games may explore settings beyond America to diversify storytelling possibilities and prevent player fatigue.
Original Halo art director "may disagree" with some Campaign Evolved "creative decisions," but says…
Original Halo art director Marcus Lehto stated that while he genuinely enjoyed Halo: Campaign Evolved and is rooting for the franchise, he may disagree with some of its creative decisions. Lehto, who co-created the franchise with Bungie, expressed his continued care for Halo despite its recent struggles and acknowledged that fans might not like his own potential future contributions to the series.
Dave Filoni's goal as Lucasfilm president is serving "different generations" of Star Wars fans and…
Dave Filoni, newly installed as Lucasfilm president, aims to serve and unite the various generations of Star Wars fans, from original trilogy enthusiasts to those who prefer newer series. He believes the Star Wars theme park attractions are a key venue for bringing these diverse fan groups together. Filoni's approach is evident in recent projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu, Ahsoka, and Andor, which cater to different segments of the fanbase.
Halo Co-Creator Has An Idea To Revive The Franchise, But Doubts Xbox CEO “Gives A Sh**”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto has proposed ideas for a darker, more grounded Halo game with a focus on both PvP and PvE elements, suggesting a need to streamline the lore. He expressed doubt about Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's interest in reviving the franchise and criticized outsourcing development, believing it harmed the series. Lehto also mentioned a recent report about Microsoft potentially enlisting Sledgehammer Games for a new Halo title.
Netflix Just Bought All Seven Walking Dead Shows — And Season 12 Suddenly Looks Reachable
Netflix has acquired the streaming rights to all seven "The Walking Dead" television series, including the flagship show and its various spin-offs, in a deal reportedly worth $500 million. This move consolidates the entire franchise onto a single platform, potentially revitalizing interest and making a "Season 12" of sorts, perhaps a miniseries combining characters, a more feasible prospect. The deal begins in 2027, with shows airing simultaneously on Netflix and AMC+.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla director returns to Ubisoft to lead the franchise once again
Éric Baptizat, former director for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, has returned to Ubisoft to lead the Assassin's Creed brand. Baptizat previously worked on titles like Assassin's Creed Black Flag and Origins before leaving for Motive Studio. His return comes as Ubisoft navigates leadership changes and rumors surrounding the upcoming title Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Disney CEO admits The Mandalorian and Grogu didn't "meet our box office expectations", but there's a…
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged that "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and the live-action "Moana" did not meet box office expectations but emphasized their value to the company's diversified business, including streaming, merchandise, and theme parks. Despite disappointing theatrical returns, Disney views these investments as fueling other parts of the company.
