Layoffs
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Another Xbocalypse begins: Microsoft are reportedly closing or spinning off Double Fine, Ninja Theory and Compulsion
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing or spinning off studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of a broader business restructuring. This follows recent layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures across Xbox. The affected studios are known for critically acclaimed but not commercially massive titles like Psychonauts, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and South of Midnight.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja Theory
Microsoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Källa: Ninja Theory på väg att stängas av Xbox
Reports suggest Xbox is planning to shut down Ninja Theory, though the studio is reportedly seeking an external buyer. Concurrently, Double Fine and Compulsion Games are negotiating to become independent from Microsoft. These potential changes come after Asha Sharma took over leadership at Xbox, and despite recent announcements like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II at the Xbox Games Showcase.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?
Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
Compulsion Games May Be The First Studio To Fall In Xbox’s Restructuring Plans – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Compulsion Games, the developer behind South of Midnight, may be one of two studios Xbox plans to close as part of a restructuring. This follows reports of impending layoffs, though the studio's leadership is reportedly in negotiations with its parent company. Other studios like Obsidian and Rare are believed to be safe.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
Bloomberg: Several Xbox studios in negotiations to avoid closure
Several Xbox-owned studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly in negotiations to spin off from Microsoft or avoid closure. Staffers at Ninja Theory were informed of its closure, though the studio is seeking a buyer. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30, following a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hinting at a company reset due to increasing costs and an overextended studio system.
Xbox reportedly looking to spin off several studios to avoid closures
Reports indicate Xbox is considering spinning off several internal studios, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games, to prevent their closure amid rumored layoffs. This follows a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need for the division to become profitable and sustainable.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios
Following reports of potential layoffs and studio closures at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games, several smaller Xbox Game Studios developers like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are reportedly negotiating to spin off from the publisher. This move aims to avoid closure, though many employees may still lose their jobs. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also departed the company.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at risk
Xbox is reportedly considering closing several of its game development studios, including Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, and potentially Double Fine and Ninja Theory. Leadership at Compulsion Games is reportedly in negotiations regarding the studio's future, amidst broader reports of potential layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down, with their departures coinciding with a planned "Xbox reset" by new leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. The company is reportedly considering significant layoffs and potential studio closures, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory mentioned as being at risk.
Ninja Theory and Double Fine Also Reportedly Under Threat of Closure as Xbox Studios Fight for Survival
Ninja Theory and Double Fine are reportedly facing potential closure as Microsoft's Xbox division undergoes significant cuts. These studios, known for Hellblade and Psychonauts respectively, are among those fighting to survive amidst the ongoing restructuring.
Xbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers…
Xbox is reportedly planning to close Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few, just days after announcing impending layoffs. While no official statement has been made, multiple employees have indicated they are seeking new work. This comes despite recent praise from Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty, for the studio's award-winning work.
Latest Microsoft victim reportedly being closed after releasing one game since Xbox acquisition
Microsoft is reportedly closing Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, eight years after acquiring it. This move is part of a larger downsizing within Xbox, which has seen thousands of layoffs and is expected to continue. South of Midnight, Compulsion's only release since the 2018 acquisition, received critical acclaim and awards.
South of Midnight Maker Said to Be Shuttered by Xbox
Reports indicate that Xbox studio Compulsion Games, the developer behind South of Midnight, is set to be closed. This follows speculation about widespread layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. While not officially confirmed, multiple employees have indicated they are seeking new work, and the studio's writer has also suggested its closure.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan & Chief of Staff Louise O'Conner leave Microsoft
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O’Conner are leaving Microsoft. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 13 years, stated his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, highlighting successful game launches. O'Conner also had a long tenure at Rare, contributing to titles from Conker's Bad Fur Day to Everwild. Their departures come amid rumors of upcoming layoffs at the end of June.
Two Xbox Studios Named As Being At Risk Of Closure
Reports indicate that Xbox studios Arkane Studios and Compulsion Games are at risk of closure amid upcoming company-wide layoffs. Employees are reportedly concerned following internal memos suggesting significant workforce reductions. Arkane Lyon is specifically mentioned as a notable studio.