Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Sunday Papers
Criterion Games, known for racing titles like Burnout and Need For Speed, is now solely focused on developing for the Battlefield series, as confirmed by studio leadership. Meanwhile, an analysis of Xbox's recent restructuring highlights the company's significant layoffs and the challenges faced by the division, drawing parallels to past industry missteps.
Obsidian game director is sick of hearing bad takes about the state of the studio: 'The through line from KotOR2 to…
Obsidian Entertainment game director Brandon Adler has refuted claims that the studio has lost its original talent and identity. He stated that many key personnel remain from the development of games like Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, asserting that the studio's core DNA is unchanged despite recent layoffs and restructuring within Xbox.
Blizzard Has “Tons of New Projects” in Development, Including “New Stuff” for Diablo – Rumor
According to a Bloomberg report, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous new projects in development, including new content for Diablo and a rumored StarCraft shooter, despite ongoing layoffs within Xbox. While Diablo 4 is considered a successful game, the uncertain work environment is highlighted. Potential announcements for these projects may occur at BlizzCon.
New Doom Title in “The Early Stages,” Despite Extensive Layoffs at id Software – Rumor
Despite significant layoffs at id Software, reports suggest the studio is in the early stages of developing a new Doom game. While some outlets claimed the studio was reduced to a support role, id Software has confirmed it remains roughly the same size as when it developed Doom (2016). The future direction of the new title remains speculative, with possibilities ranging from continuing the Slayer's story to returning to an old-school Doom experience.
Saturday Multiplex
Journalist Jason Schreier discusses the most difficult aspect of the recent Xbox layoffs. The article focuses on the human impact of these workforce reductions within the gaming industry.
id Software insists in new statement that it still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for"
id Software has issued a statement assuring players that despite recent layoffs impacting some teams, the studio retains the necessary talent to create its signature games and technology. The company emphasized that its current team size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was developed and that it remains committed to its flat studio philosophy. This comes in the wake of Microsoft's broader layoffs within its Xbox division, which also affected studios like Obsidian Entertainment, leading to project cancellations and a shift in focus to the Fallout franchise.
