Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
Latest coverage
Report: The “majority” of ID software and up to half of Zenimax online have lost their jobs
Reports indicate significant layoffs across several Xbox-owned studios, including a majority of ID Software and up to half of ZeniMax Online Studios. These cuts affect teams working on titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, with roadmaps expected to shift. Other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine are reportedly going independent.
"Game execs remain stupid detached money grubbing idiots": Former Xbox boss wanted Halo 4 to copy Diablo 3's horrible real-money auction house, dev says
A former Xbox executive, Don Mattrick, suggested that Halo 4 should implement a real-money auction house for in-game items, similar to Diablo 3's controversial feature. This suggestion was recalled by a recently laid-off Halo designer, Dan Callan, who criticized the detachment of executives from game development realities and the negative impact of such monetization strategies.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
The Elder Scrolls Online Has Reportedly Lost 'As Much as Half' of Its Development Team as Its Roadmap Is Being Re-Evaluated
Reports suggest that The Elder Scrolls Online has experienced significant layoffs, potentially losing up to half of its development team. This has led to questions about the future roadmap and ongoing development of the game.
Even Obsidian couldn't escape the Xbox cuts, with losses ranging from a 21-year veteran artist to an engineer…
Obsidian Entertainment has experienced layoffs, affecting employees including a 21-year veteran artist and a recent engineer. This marks the first time the studio has been impacted by the recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft's Xbox division. The exact number of affected employees is between nine and 49, falling below the threshold that would trigger a WARN Act notice.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Here’s What’s Going On With Marvel’s Blade And Its Developer Amid Xbox “Reset”
Amidst Microsoft's business 'reset' involving layoffs and studio sales, the future of Arkane Lyon and its game Marvel's Blade is uncertain. The French studio is undergoing consultation, with potential outcomes ranging from sale to closure, impacting the development of the delayed and reportedly over-budget Blade game, which was announced in 2023 without gameplay footage.
Phasmophobia-Like Co-Op Horror Survival Fearwoods Drops a New Trailer on Steam
Developer Fearwoods has released a new trailer and development roadmap for their upcoming co-op horror survival game, Fearwoods, which is heavily inspired by titles like Phasmophobia and Lethal Company. The roadmap outlines the game's progression from demo to early access and its eventual full release, detailing planned features such as new maps, dynamic events, and narrative content. Fearwoods is set to launch on PC in the coming months and supports 1-3 players.
Shroud of the Avatar plans infrastructure move this fall and Richard Garriott birthday stream this month
Shroud of the Avatar is planning a significant move to new server infrastructure between July and October, involving new hardware and a revamped build pipeline. The MMORPG will also host a birthday stream for Richard Garriott on July 17th, where he is expected to discuss future plans, potentially including the rumored acquisition of Ultima rights.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id Software
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced sweeping layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, or 20% of the organization. Several studios, including Bethesda, Zenimax Online Studios, and id Software, have confirmed job losses, with up to half of the team working on The Elder Scrolls Online reportedly impacted. Five studios are being divested, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs in the process of being acquired.
Bayonetta creator says Capcom might be thriving thanks to a constant push to create new IP like Pragmata
Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya attributes Capcom's consistent success to its willingness to develop new intellectual properties, citing Pragmata as a prime example. Despite some new IP attempts not reaching widespread success, Capcom's management and talented staff have led to a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles since 2017.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider
Despite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Elder Scrolls Online developer left reeling by Xbox layoffs—with teams gutted, senior talent gone, and roadmaps…
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of Elder Scrolls Online, has been significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs, with reports indicating that half of the active content development team has been let go. This follows a previous round of job losses at the studio in 2025 and raises concerns about the future of the game's roadmap and development.
Xbox Layoffs “Heavily Impact” The Accessibility Team, Too
Xbox has significantly impacted its Accessibility team with recent layoffs, affecting multiple researchers and testers, including senior user researcher Elisabeth Whyte and accessibility test lead Zach Clothier. Despite these cuts, which represent about 20% of Microsoft's gaming staff, a spokesperson stated that accessibility remains a priority for Xbox. The company plans to continue its work on features like the Adaptive Controller and in-game accessibility options.
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax hit hard by Xbox layoffs, says union
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax Media, with the Bethesda Game Workers Union reporting that many employees have been let go. Reports indicate that studios like id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are also cutting a substantial number of staff. These reductions are part of a broader reorganization across various Microsoft gaming divisions to focus on higher priority projects.
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.
"It's much further along than we originally planned": Fallout: London modders say work on their next game is going "swimmingly", despite DLC delays
Modders working on the Fallout: London project for Fallout 4 have stated that their next game is progressing ahead of schedule, despite delays with the 'Last Orders' DLC for Fallout: London. The team is leveraging their work on the ambitious mod to establish themselves as an independent studio.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
Independent again: Double Fine and Compulsion react to leaving Xbox and taking all their games with them
Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games are returning to independent development after being let go by Microsoft as part of Xbox restructuring. Both studios will retain ownership of their games, including Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and South of Midnight. This move follows a period of significant layoffs and strategic shifts within Xbox.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article examines the history of Star Wars games, including released titles, cancelled projects, and mods, while also discussing how Sonic Mania revitalized the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise for Sega. It touches on game preservation and the development process behind beloved titles.