Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Xbox’s July Layoffs Could Involve Studio Closures – Rumor
A report from The Verge suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division may implement layoffs in July, potentially including the closure of a studio. This follows a Bloomberg report indicating major job cuts are planned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to mitigate revenue losses. Sharma and CCO Matt Booty acknowledged a 3 percent accountability margin decline and discussed challenges with rising hardware component costs, necessitating a new business model for future projects like 'Project Helix'.
Ubisoft Shutting Multiple Studios, as the News Just Keeps Getting Worse
Ubisoft is reportedly shutting down its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade, and restructuring its Barcelona unit, potentially impacting around 380 jobs. These closures are part of a broader effort by the publisher to reduce fixed costs by €200 million over the next two years, following multiple game cancellations and layoffs earlier this year.
Yet more layoffs reported at Ubisoft, this time in San Francisco
Ubisoft has reportedly laid off dozens of employees from its San Francisco studio as part of an ongoing restructuring, following studio closures in Winnipeg and Belgrade. Meanwhile, Xbox is also reportedly planning significant layoffs and budget cuts across marketing and other areas as new CEO Asha Sharma initiates a "reset" for the business, aiming to improve efficiency and player value.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve Studio Closures
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, which may include the closure of some studios. Employees were reportedly shocked by the cancellation of Gears of War. The publisher also announced several new games for the PlayStation 5, including State of Decay 3 and Senua.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve a Studio Closure
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, potentially affecting thousands of employees and possibly including the closure of a studio. This comes amid reports of declining annual revenue despite substantial investments, leading to a reassessment of business strategies and a potential shift back towards console exclusives.
Xbox reportedly planning more layoffs as "CEO calls for "Xbox reset"
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and budget cuts as new CEO Asha Sharma initiates a "reset" for the business. The company aims to become more self-reliant in engineering and re-evaluate investment priorities over the next five years. This comes amid declining revenue and a focus on exclusive titles and subscription service growth.
Comings and Goings
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, while Ubisoft is closing multiple studios, leading to approximately 380 job losses. These events highlight a challenging period for the gaming industry.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and executive vice president Matt Booty publish staff memo ‘Next 100 Days: Xbox Reset’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and EVP Matt Booty have outlined a 'reset' plan for the company, acknowledging declining core revenue despite significant investment. The memo details challenges including a hardware component crisis and overextended studio systems, signaling potential major layoffs and restructuring to achieve profitability and a stronger market position.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma issues statement on restructuring following leaked email regarding layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has issued a statement confirming a restructuring and potential layoffs by the end of June, following a leaked internal email. Sharma cited overspending and the need to "reset" the business, emphasizing that the company has "over extended" in areas like live-service demands. The move comes as Xbox aims to re-evaluate its investment priorities for the next five years.
Major Xbox layoffs reportedly on the way as CEO Asha Sharma admits Microsoft's gaming division is "over…
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and budget cuts across its gaming division, according to an internal email from CEO Asha Sharma. Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty cited over-investment in content and studios, which has not yielded expected revenue growth, as the reason for this "Xbox reset."
Xbox Reportedly Planning Big Layoffs For Next Month
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning significant layoffs after June 30, following statements from new CEO Asha Sharma about the business's financial health. Sharma cited declining revenue, increased hardware component costs, and strategic overextension as reasons for the impending cuts. These layoffs come after a period of studio expansion under previous leadership.
Ubisoft closes another 2 studios, lays off hundreds more employees
Ubisoft is closing studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and laying off approximately 380 employees as part of a cost-reduction strategy. The Ubisoft Barcelona studio will shift its focus exclusively to the Rainbow Six franchise, while other studios undergo restructuring into five creative houses. This follows departures of several high-level creatives and ongoing investment in artificial intelligence.
Ubisoft execs are apparently addicted to layoffs as another hundred developers got cut
Ubisoft has reportedly conducted another round of layoffs, cutting approximately one hundred developers. This follows a pattern of workforce reductions within the company.
Ubisoft reportedly shuts down more studios and lays off staff in Barcelona and San Francisco
Ubisoft is reportedly implementing another round of layoffs and closing studios in Barcelona and San Francisco as part of cost-cutting measures. The company aims to reduce expenses while ensuring key franchises like Rainbow Six Siege are not negatively impacted.
Ubisoft reportedly shuts down Winnipeg and Belgrade studios
Ubisoft has reportedly closed its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios, with additional layoffs occurring at its Barcelona studio, potentially affecting up to 380 employees. The Winnipeg studio closure is particularly notable given Ubisoft's previous commitment to expand it. These actions follow a year of labor disputes, including employee strikes and previous studio closures, amidst a significant deal with Tencent.
Ubisoft closing studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and cutting publishing roles worldwide, 380 jobs at risk
Ubisoft is closing its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and making further cuts to its global publishing team, affecting approximately 380 roles. The Barcelona studio will refocus exclusively on the Rainbow Six franchise. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association is warning that a proposed 'No Fakes Act' could harm the video game industry by failing to distinguish between harmful deepfakes and legitimate digital replicas used in game development.
Ubisoft Closing 2 More Studios Amid Further Cuts and Job Losses
Ubisoft is closing two more of its studios as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures, leading to further job losses. The company is implementing these cuts to manage expenses.
Ubisoft closing Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and making further layoffs
Ubisoft is closing its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and implementing further layoffs across its Barcelona studio and global publishing business. These cost-reduction measures could affect up to 380 roles and are part of a broader restructuring to focus on new strategic priorities. The Winnipeg studio was key in developing the Anvil and Snowdrop engines, while Belgrade focused on various PC and console titles.
Xbox CEO unsure whether Activision Blizzard merger is paying off
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed uncertainty about whether Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been profitable, despite acknowledging the value of its franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush. The article notes that Microsoft has conducted multiple rounds of layoffs since the 2023 merger, impacting various studios and divisions, and that Xbox hardware sales have been in decline.
Paizo Inc. Lays Off 12 Employees As Result of Diamond Comics Bankruptcy
Paizo Inc. has laid off twelve employees due to financial strain caused by the bankruptcy of Diamond Comics. Diamond Comics, a major distributor for various outlets including Paizo, handled product shipping on consignment, leading to significant financial losses for Paizo when Diamond's assets were claimed by JP Morgan Chase. Complications from an exclusive distribution contract further exacerbated Paizo's financial difficulties.
