Independence
Ongoing coverage on Independence.
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Double Fine Productions suffers layoffs weeks after going independent
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, nearly 25% of its workforce, just weeks after becoming an independent studio following its separation from Xbox. The studio stated the layoffs were necessary for its survival and to adjust to its new size as an independent entity. This follows Xbox's broader restructuring efforts which have also impacted other studios.
Double Fine Productions cuts 23 roles as it becomes independent from Xbox
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, representing 25% of its workforce, following its full separation from Xbox and return to independent management. CEO Tim Schafer stated the cuts were necessary for the studio's survival and sustainability as a smaller team. Xbox confirmed the studio's independence and ownership of its intellectual property and back catalogue.
Xbox parts ways with 4 studios, with South of Midnight and Psychonauts devs going independent as Arkane begins "required consultation" to "review potential strategic options"
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructure, leading to four of its studios becoming independent or finding new ownership. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will transition to independent studios, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will be acquired by new owners. Additionally, Arkane Studios is entering a consultation period to review its strategic options.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory & Compulsion are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closures
Multiple Xbox Game Studios developers, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure and potentially gain independence. While independence could prevent full shutdowns, layoffs are still expected. This news follows an announcement from Xbox CEO about a business 'reset' and restructuring.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond studio CEO says there was no 'pushback' to becoming independent from Activision Blizzard, but the process and planning the game at the same time was 'complex' — 'I think that was the biggest challenge'
Toys for Bob, the studio behind Spyro: A Realm Beyond, has stated that neither Activision Blizzard nor Microsoft opposed their decision to become an independent studio again. Studio Head Paul Yan described the process as complex due to the simultaneous planning of the new game and navigating the legal and logistical separation from their former parent company.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond studio had to "buy back" its independence from Xbox "to get back to the games we were known for" instead of Call of Duty and Overwatch
Toys for Bob, the studio behind Skylanders and a co-developer for Call of Duty and Overwatch, has become independent from Microsoft. Studio head Paul Yan stated the decision was made to "buy back" creative control and return to developing games the studio is passionate about, rather than supporting larger IPs. The studio is now working on a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, with a spring 2027 release window for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, and has an agreement with Xbox to publish it.
Toys For Bob Discusses Flying Free In Spyro: A Realm Beyond
Toys for Bob, now an independent studio formerly part of Activision Blizzard and briefly Microsoft, has revealed Spyro: A Realm Beyond. Studio Head Paul Yan and Associate Creative Director Lou Studdert discussed the studio's independence and the game's emphasis on true player-controlled flight. The spark for the new game came during the development of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
