Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work
Compulsion Games, the developer of the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning title South of Midnight, has announced it is seeking new collaborations after becoming independent following recent layoffs at Xbox. Microsoft, which acquired Compulsion in 2018, allowed the studio to go independent rather than closing it. The studio is leveraging its experience in creating original intellectual property to partner with other companies in the games and entertainment industry.
Former Xbox Studio Compulsion Games Says It's Open to Collaborations
Following negotiations that secured its independence amidst recent Xbox Game Studios layoffs, Montreal-based developer Compulsion Games has announced on LinkedIn that it is open to collaborations. The studio is seeking opportunities to work with other developers and publishers, potentially as a support studio on external projects.
Id Software fortsätter att utveckla nästa Doom-titel
Despite recent mass layoffs at id Software following Microsoft's Xbox reorganization, the studio has confirmed it is continuing development on new games and technology. The current staff size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was in development, and the studio remains focused on creating its own games and proprietary engine technology. Reports indicate that work on a new DOOM title has already begun.
Comings and Goings
The video game industry in Quebec is facing uncertainty as multiple studios are implementing cutbacks. This situation has put the future of many development teams in the region in limbo.
The Alters and Frostpunk developer 11 Bit Studios is laying off 20 employees
11 Bit Studios, the developer behind The Alters and Frostpunk, has laid off 20 employees to align team structures with current project phases. The company stated that most affected employees were offered internal transfers, and those leaving will receive support. This follows previous layoffs in 2024 and late 2023, despite the Frostpunk franchise surpassing 11 million players and Frostpunk 2 nearing 600,000 sales.
The Elder Scrolls Online Dev ZeniMax Online Studios Insists It's Now the Same Size It Was When It Made Much-Loved DLCs, Moves to Reassure Worried Fans After Xbox Layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has assured fans that the studio's size and commitment to the game remain unchanged despite recent layoffs at Xbox. The studio aims to alleviate concerns about the future of the game and its DLC development.
Outer Worlds 2 Director Reacts To Mass Layoffs At Xbox And Dispels “Misinformation”
Obsidian Entertainment's game director Brandon Adler addressed recent layoffs at Xbox and dispelled what he called misinformation about the studio's current identity. Adler stated that while the company has changed over 20 years, its core DNA remains the same, with many lead developers having worked on classic titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. The article also mentions reported layoffs at Obsidian, the cancellation of an Avowed sequel, and a potential new Fallout game.
As Elder Scrolls Online fans fear for the MMO, Bethesda reportedly confirms its team is the same size it was when it…
Despite recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, the development team for The Elder Scrolls Online remains at a size comparable to its early successful years. Community figures report that key personnel are focused on the game's future roadmap, suggesting it is not entering maintenance mode. While the layoffs are upsetting, this news offers reassurance about the MMO's continued development.
Warframe creative director says Destiny 2's end is tragic, because even with hard work 'the business side of this industry always gets the last remark'
Warframe's creative director Rebecca Ford expressed that the recent layoffs at Bungie and cessation of updates for Destiny 2 are tragic, highlighting how the business side of the industry often dictates outcomes despite developers' hard work. She noted that such decisions are existentially threatening to developers, as seen with Microsoft's closure of Tango Gameworks and other industry-wide cuts.
Obsidian still have "the same DNA" that went into New Vegas and KOTOR 2, The Outer Worlds 2 director insists, following chatter around layoffs
Following recent layoffs at Obsidian Entertainment, director Brandon Adler defended the studio's creative DNA, asserting that the core team behind classic games like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II remains intact. Adler pushed back against criticism that the studio has lost its way, emphasizing that the same individuals are still in leadership roles and that the studio's fundamental ethos persists despite changes over the years.
Former PlayStation head tells Xbox to either be a good publisher or make a good platform with exclusives: "Nintendo…
Former PlayStation head Shawn Layden advises Xbox to commit to either being a competitive platform with exclusive content or a major multi-platform publisher. He argues that trying to be both is a flawed strategy, citing Nintendo and PlayStation's reliance on exclusives. Layden also points to Microsoft's frequent layoffs and the confusing decision to acquire major franchises only to release them on rival platforms.
'A kick in the teeth:' Game workers protest alleged misconduct at MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy
Game workers protested alleged misconduct and mismanagement at MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) over alleged data privacy violations and handling of layoffs. The IWGB Game Workers Union is taking legal action against the studio, founded by Leslie Benzies, over surveillance software and recent job cuts. The union criticized BARB's decision to host an expenses-paid fan playtest day for MindsEye, calling it a misuse of funds and a 'kick in the teeth' to laid-off employees.
The Outer Worlds 2 lead slams "cold take artists" following Xbox layoffs at Obsidian, says "the same DNA" that created hits like Fallout: New Vegas and more remains
Brandon Adler, co-director of The Outer Worlds 2, has spoken out against "cold take artists" speculating about Obsidian Entertainment following recent layoffs at Xbox studios. Adler emphasized that the core "DNA" of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact despite the loss of talent. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the company and its developers while defending the seasoned developers still working at Obsidian.
MMO Week in Review: 213
Microsoft's significant layoffs have heavily impacted the Elder Scrolls Online live team, reducing its size to that of 2015-2018. This week also saw Warframe's TennoCon, Aion 2 previewing its monetization, Tencent acquiring the PlanetSide franchise, Star Trek Online launching Undiscovered, and Gamigo porting Fiesta Online to consoles.
Xbox Developers Facing “Panic and Anxiety” at Further Layoffs – Rumor
Xbox developers are reportedly experiencing significant panic and anxiety due to ongoing and anticipated future layoffs, with further job cuts planned for the remainder of fiscal year 2027. This uncertainty is causing stress among remaining staff, who fear their workload could be used as justification for future termination. The situation extends to agencies working with the company, which have seen their vendor budgets slashed by 50 percent.
Obsidian Director Warns of “Cold-Take Artists” Spreading Misinformation About the Studio
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has spoken out against "cold-take artists" spreading misinformation following recent layoffs at the studio. Adler emphasized that despite changes, the core DNA of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact. He also addressed reports about the future of Avowed, with former co-founder Chris Avellone stating Avowed 2 is still planned.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.
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.
Obsidian Director Blasts People 'Running Their Mouths' About How the Studio Has Changed Following Xbox Layoffs
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler expressed frustration with external commentary on the studio's changes following recent Xbox layoffs. He criticized individuals he referred to as 'cold take artists' for discussing the studio's evolution.
Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox…
ZeniMax Online Studios, developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has reportedly returned to its circa 2015-2018 headcount following recent layoffs, a situation echoed by id Software. This mirrors the size the studios were during the development of acclaimed DLCs like Orsinium and Summerset. The article critiques this narrative, arguing that a decade of growth cannot be undone without significant impact, regardless of current headcount.
