Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Following through on their warning, Until Dawn and Directive 8020 devs Supermassive lay off "more than 70" staff
Supermassive Games has laid off over 70 employees, including veteran Frank Tindle and talent acquisition leader Tim Browning, following the recent launch of Directive 8020. The studio cited the need for "sustainability" as the reason for these significant staff reductions, which follow earlier redundancy consultations.
Supermassive Games suffers layoffs as more than 70 developers seem to have left the company this week
Supermassive Games has undergone significant layoffs, with over 70 employees reportedly losing their jobs. This follows a previous round of cuts in August 2025, which the company stated were necessary for sustainability and to adapt to industry changes. The studio, known for Until Dawn and the recently released Directive 8020, is facing a challenging period.
Supermassive Games Lays Off “More Than 70” Employees Two Months After Redundancy Consultation
Developer Supermassive Games has laid off over 70 employees, a significant reduction following a redundancy consultation process initiated in August. This decision comes after the commercial underperformance of its latest title, Directive 8020, and the subsequent departure of its CEO. The future of upcoming projects within The Dark Pictures Anthology remains uncertain.
Halo Studios’ Next Game May Have Featured The Mysterious Xalanyn Before Cancelation
Halo franchise writer Alex Wakeford discussed potential future projects, including the introduction of the mysterious Xalanyn entities, before a major reshuffling at Xbox. While Halo Studios is now tasked with supporting existing games, Activision is working on a new Halo title, aiming to create "the greatest Halo game ever." This comes amidst significant layoffs across Xbox studios, and reports indicate Halo Studios' next project was canceled.
Industry layoff watch: Supermassive, Ninja Theory, The Coalition, and a warning from Warhorse
Multiple game studios, including Supermassive Games, Ninja Theory, and The Coalition, have experienced significant layoffs and restructuring. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is also mentioned in the context of industry consolidation. Warhorse Studios co-founder Martin Klima warns that rising development costs may push studios to relocate to cheaper regions.
Ninja Theory Hit With Layoffs – Will The Studio Survive?
Ninja Theory is reportedly facing significant layoffs, with multiple employees posting about their job searches or having been let go. The situation raises concerns about the studio's future viability.
Halo Studios says "it is absolutely our intent" to release new Halo book, despite layoffs and a rumored lore reboot from Activision
Halo Studios is determined to release the upcoming Halo novel "Fireteam Noble" despite recent layoffs and a rumored lore reboot affecting the franchise. Franchise writer Alex Wakeford confirmed that significant editorial work has been completed and efforts are underway to ensure the book's completion, while also stating intent to finish the "Burn the Road Home" novella. The future of other Halo projects remains uncertain amidst these behind-the-scenes shakeups.
Report: Ninja Theory lays off workers after failing to spin off from Xbox
Ninja Theory is reportedly undergoing layoffs after Microsoft failed to find a buyer or a way to keep the studio operational under Xbox. The developer, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has seen several employees post about their roles being at risk. This follows a broader "reset" within Xbox that led to 3200 job cuts and the successful divestiture of Undead Labs.
Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory developers are facing redundancy as the studio begins layoffs following widespread cuts at Xbox. Despite attempts to sell the studio, proposed sale agreements fell through, leading to a consultation process and eventual job losses. This news comes after Xbox announced a major restructuring and 3,200 planned job cuts.
'It’s Incredibly Sad Knowing That We Won’t Get to Finish What We Were Working on' — Hellblade Staff Bid Farewell to Ninja Theory as Layoffs Begin
Staff at Ninja Theory are beginning to say their goodbyes as layoffs commence following Xbox's announcement of the studio's closure. The news has led to expressions of sadness from employees who will not be able to finish their current projects.
Hellblade Developer Ninja Theory Has Begun Layoffs
Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade, has begun layoffs following the failure of two agreements with Xbox. Several developers have announced their departures on LinkedIn, with some expressing sadness over unfinished projects. This follows a pattern of recent layoffs within Xbox, impacting studios like Halo and Turn 10.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming news roundup covers several distinct topics. Papers, Please is highlighted for its poignant exploration of identity and documentation, while the VR game Gunman Contracts is criticized for common VR foibles despite glimpses of potential. Concerns are raised about potential layoffs at The Coalition following Gears of War: E-Day, alongside broader industry layoffs driven by AI and economic pressures. The article also touches on Hollywood's history of fads leading to flops and features an interview with an artist creating humorous street art.
Reigns developer Nerial enters 'hibernation mode,' lays off staff
British game studio Nerial, known for the Reigns franchise, has entered 'hibernation mode' and laid off its remaining staff after 13 years of operation. Co-founders François and Tamara Alliot announced the decision, citing the need for a break before potentially returning to game development. They also praised their former employees and thanked collaborators like Devolver Digital.
In pictures: the Best Places To Work Awards 2026
The GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards UK 2026 celebrated companies that support their staff despite industry layoffs. The awards, sponsored by Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect, highlighted strong provisions for mental health, environmental sustainability, and education.
Reigns and Card Shark developers Nerial are closing down, laying staff off while the founders go "back to our roots"
Nerial, the studio behind games like Reigns and Card Shark, is shutting down or entering "hibernation mode" after 13 years, with its founders Tamara and François Alliot citing a need for change. The closure affects the entire team, who are now seeking new opportunities. The article expresses disappointment with the explanations for the closure and layoffs, suggesting it may be linked to parent company Devolver Digital's recent financial struggles.
Gears of War: E-Day Metacritic score places it as The Coalition's best take on the series amid layoffs and reported…
Gears of War: E-Day has achieved a Metacritic score of 88, making it the best-reviewed game in the series since Epic Games' involvement and The Coalition's highest-rated title. Despite critical acclaim for its gameplay, the studio faces internal turmoil with reports of layoffs and withheld bonuses, including the game's story director.
Gears of War: E-Day studio reportedly fears post-launch layoffs, "wouldn't put it past" Microsoft to…
Staff at The Coalition, the developer of Gears of War: E-Day, are reportedly fearing post-launch layoffs amid ongoing restructuring and job cuts across Microsoft's gaming division. Employees are concerned about missing out on potential bonuses tied to the game's performance and express a lack of trust in Microsoft leadership.
After 'Crunching Hard' Through Their Final Months, Gears of War: E-Day Developers Are Reportedly Now Expecting Layoffs
Developers working on Gears of War: E-Day are reportedly anticipating layoffs despite months of overtime, casting a shadow over the game's upcoming release. The team has been 'crunching hard' in recent months, leading to fresh fears of job cuts within the studio.
"Xbox is not for sale" despite all of the layoffs and neat repackaging of studios within Microsoft's corporate structure, CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has denied any plans to sell the gaming division, despite recent layoffs and studio restructuring. While reports suggested Microsoft executives considered spinning out Xbox, Sharma stated the company is committed to its success and will pursue necessary partnerships and operating models. The article notes the human cost of the layoffs and mentions ongoing boycotts against Microsoft.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
