Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Ubisoft Q1 net bookings down 9.2%, attributes drop to "high comparison base" from same period last year
Ubisoft reported first quarter net bookings of €255.8 million, a 9.2% year-on-year decrease attributed to a high comparison base from the previous year's Assassin's Creed Shadows launch. The company's performance was boosted by the mobile title Invincible: Guarding the Globe, while Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced saw strong sales and record PC player counts. The report also detailed organizational changes, including the appointment of Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2 and studio closures, alongside layoffs affecting 380 roles.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has already sold over 3.5 million copies, "exceeding annual expectations within its first 14 days"
Ubisoft announced that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has sold over 3.5 million copies within its first 14 days, exceeding annual expectations. While this remake performed strongly, the company's overall Q1 Net Bookings were down 9% year-on-year, though slightly above guidance, with Invincible: Guarding the Globe also noted for record performance. The report also touched upon ongoing 'rightsizing actions' and studio restructuring, which have led to multiple rounds of layoffs.
Comings and Goings
Amid ongoing layoff controversies in the industry, the union representing Rockstar Games employees has reported a significant increase in membership. This growth could potentially lead to mandatory recognition for the union.
The Elder Scrolls 6’s Development Roadmap Hasn’t Been Affected by Layoffs, Says Bethesda
Bethesda Game Studios has stated that its development roadmap for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains unaffected by recent Xbox-wide layoffs, despite significant job losses across its studios. While the company assures progress is on track, former employees express concerns about the impact of losing experienced staff. Director Todd Howard and Xbox CCO Matt Booty have previously indicated the game is progressing well, though a release window remains unannounced.
Patreon is laying off 20 percent of its staff
Patreon is laying off 20 percent of its staff, impacting its workforce significantly. The company cited changes in its business due to evolving technology, including artificial intelligence, as a factor in the decision.
Bethesda accused of breaking Canadian labor laws with Montreal layoffs
Bethesda is facing accusations of violating Canadian labor laws following recent layoffs. This situation is part of a larger trend of job cuts within the Xbox gaming division.
Crisol studio lays off all employees less than 6 months after launch, warns that full closure is a 'feasible…
Less than six months after the launch of Crisol: Theater of Idols, developer Vermila Studios has laid off all its employees due to financial reasons. CEO David Carrasco confirmed the staff reductions and stated that a full studio closure is a 'feasible possibility' in the coming months, despite the game receiving a reasonably positive reception.
As layoff controversy continues, Rockstar union has 'more members than ever before', meaning it could force mandatory recognition
The Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU) has reported increased membership following controversial layoffs, prompting a push for voluntary recognition from Rockstar Games. If voluntary recognition is not granted, the union, a subsidiary of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, may pursue statutory recognition, which could force the studio to acknowledge the union. This development comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the studio's employment practices and has reached the attention of UK parliament.
EA Sale To Saudi Arabia Clears A Major Hurdle
Electronic Arts' proposed sale to an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission, clearing a significant hurdle. While the $55 billion deal is structured as a leveraged buyout, potential cost-cutting measures like layoffs and studio closures at EA and its subsidiaries, such as BioWare, are a concern for employees.
Union accuses Bethesda of violating labour laws in Canada following layoffs at Montreal studio
The union OneBGS has filed a legal complaint against Bethesda, accusing the company of violating Canadian labor laws following recent layoffs at its Montreal studio. The union alleges that Bethesda issued termination letters to employees, contradicting previous assurances of continued employment until September and offering the minimum legally required severance without union negotiation. These claims follow broader allegations of unlawful layoffs by Xbox, with unfair labor practice charges filed against Microsoft and its subsidiaries.
Vermila Studios lays off its staff, studio closure a 'feasible possibility' in coming months
Vermila Studios, the developer of Crisol: Theater of Idols, has laid off 19 staff members due to financial difficulties, with studio closure being a significant possibility in the coming months. The studio, founded in 2020 and previously acquired by Embracer Group, is now facing an uncertain future after splitting from Embracer and publishing its game with Blumhouse Games.
"The smallest severance pay possible" - Bethesda union vows to fight as studio employees reel from "bare minimum" payout following mass Xbox layoffs
Employees at Bethesda's Montréal studio, represented by the OneBGS union, are reportedly receiving the minimum legally permissible severance pay following mass layoffs by Xbox. The union claims this contradicts earlier assurances and has filed a complaint against Bethesda and Microsoft for violating Canadian labor laws. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between management and workers in the gaming industry following significant job cuts.
Bethesda union slams Xbox for offering the 'bare legal minimum in terms of severance'
Unionized employees at Bethesda Montreal, represented by OneBGS, have criticized Microsoft and Xbox for offering the minimum legal severance to laid-off workers. Despite initial assurances of employment until September 2026, affected Canadian employees received termination letters stating they would receive only eight weeks' pay in lieu of notice and immediate loss of benefits. The union vows to fight for better terms for its members.
The Elder Scrolls 6 development roadmap is unaffected by Xbox's mass layoffs, Bethesda says, despite devs'…
Bethesda Game Studios has stated that the development roadmap for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains unaffected by recent mass layoffs across Xbox Game Studios and its subsidiaries. Despite concerns from some developers and reports of potential delays and increased reliance on contractors, Bethesda assures that production is proceeding as planned. The company also mentioned that Starfield has been released and they are now focusing on the next installment in The Elder Scrolls series.
Bethesda Montreal’s Laid Off Employees Told They Will Get Bare Minimum Severance, No Healthcare
Employees laid off from Bethesda's Montreal studio have reportedly been offered the minimum legal severance and lost healthcare benefits, according to the union OneBGS. This contradicts earlier statements about negotiating with the union. Bethesda and Xbox leadership are facing legal complaints for alleged labor law violations in Canada. Despite these issues, the company reaffirmed its focus on The Elder Scrolls 6 and upcoming Fallout projects.
Bethesda Canceled an Unannounced PvP Shooter Amidst Layoffs – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, with details emerging from a laid-off employee's LinkedIn profile. This cancellation comes amidst significant layoffs at the company, which also impacted other studios under ZeniMax Media. While the specifics of the canceled project are unknown, it is speculated to be the Rainbow Six Siege-like title previously rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Comings and Goings
Bethesda Montreal developers reportedly received termination letters the same day Xbox announced new Fallout titles, despite assurances of continued employment until September. This news follows recent layoffs within the company.
Union claims Bethesda developers were laid off the day Xbox announced new Fallouts—after being told they would…
The Bethesda Game Studios Union has filed a legal complaint against Bethesda, alleging violations of Canadian labor laws. The union claims that Bethesda prematurely terminated Canadian employees on July 17, the same day Xbox announced remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and confirmed Fallout 5 is in early development. Union representatives stated that affected employees were initially told they would remain employed until September while severance was negotiated, but instead received termination letters with the bare legal minimum severance and immediate loss of benefits.
Microsoft is apparently reneging on its promise to bargain with laid-off Bethesda Montreal devs
Microsoft is reportedly reneging on its promise to bargain with laid-off Bethesda Montreal employees regarding severance packages. The Bethesda Game Studios union claims that Microsoft/Xbox informed affected workers they would receive the minimum legal severance without negotiation, contradicting earlier assurances. This alleged violation of labor laws has led the union to file a complaint and encourage public feedback to Microsoft.
Laid off Bethesda Montreal staff allegedly told they'd get "smallest severance legally possible" the same day as those Fallout announcements
Laid-off employees at Bethesda Montreal have claimed they were informed of receiving the minimum legal severance on the same day Xbox announced new Fallout projects. The union representing Bethesda Game Studios staff alleges that Canadian employees received termination letters stating they would get eight weeks of pay in lieu of notice and lose health insurance immediately. The union has filed a legal complaint against Bethesda for violating labor laws.
