Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Microsoft confirms increased Xbox prices in the UK and Europe
Microsoft has confirmed increased prices for Xbox consoles in the UK and Europe, with the 512GB model rising by £130/€150 and the 1TB model by £170/€200. The company cited higher storage and memory costs as the primary reason for these adjustments. This follows recent restructuring within Xbox, including layoffs and a reported decline in Xbox revenue.
MMO Week in Review: I want to believe
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates and announcements for numerous titles including Stars Reach, EverQuest Legends, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV. Key stories include Stars Reach's official early access date, Elder Scrolls Online's post-layoff roadmap, and Guild Wars 3 revealing its composers. The article also touches on game development, business practices, and player sentiment across various MMORPGs.
Last Sentinel Spent 6 Years and “Hundreds of Millions” to Compete With GTA and Failed – Rumor
Lightspeed LA's ambitious open-world cyberpunk game, Last Sentinel, has reportedly been in development for six years with a budget in the hundreds of millions, aiming to compete with Grand Theft Auto. Despite features like an elaborate story and destructible environments, the project has suffered from staff turnover, unclear creative vision, negative internal playtest feedback, and significant layoffs. Tencent has expressed dissatisfaction, leading to a drastic change in the game's direction, with its eventual release uncertain.
Xbox UK and Europe console price hikes revealed - and it's even worse than we expected
Xbox has implemented significant price increases for its consoles in the UK and Europe, with the Xbox Series X now costing up to 34% more and the Xbox Series S up to 48.5% more. These hikes are attributed to memory shortages and follow a recent 10% drop in Xbox's content and services revenue and a wave of layoffs across the division.
Got a spare $10? Net yourself almost 150 games and help support laid off game devs with the game industry hardship fund bundle
Necrosoft has organized a bundle featuring nearly 150 games, with all proceeds going to a hardship fund for laid-off game developers in the US and Canada. The bundle includes titles like A Short Hike, Arranger, and Lucah: Born of a Dream, aiming to provide financial assistance for basic necessities amidst widespread industry layoffs.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
Get more than 100 games for just $10 in a new bundle supporting laid-off game devs
In response to ongoing layoffs within the games industry, the United Videogame Workers union and Necrosoft Games have launched the Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io. For $10, players can access over 100 games, with all proceeds supporting a fund for US and Canadian game developers impacted by job losses to cover essential living expenses. The bundle has already raised nearly $30,000 and will be available until August 14.
Xbox CEO declares priorities after 'reset'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined the platform's priorities for FY27 following recent layoffs and studio divestments. The strategy, based on a 'four C's' framework, emphasizes console gaming, major franchises, transforming Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding transmedia plans across film, television, and consumer products.
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
Double Fine cuts staff, Xbox's revenue decline, and Leon Kennedy pays off - Patch Notes #63
Double Fine has laid off 23 employees following its transition to independence from Xbox. Meanwhile, Xbox reported a $1.7 billion revenue decline for fiscal year 2026, attributed to decreased content, services, and console sales. The article also touches on the erosion of institutional knowledge due to layoffs and the continued sales success of Capcom's Resident Evil series.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
Xbox CEO Outlines Future Plans for Growth in New Internal Memo – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined four key priorities for the division's future growth in an internal memo: strengthening the console platform, developing games into global franchises, turning Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding beloved game worlds. These priorities, dubbed the 'four Cs' (core, content, creation, connection), aim to return Xbox to growth and achieve industry-leading margins by fiscal year 2030. The memo also discussed a shift towards a more centralized studio system focused on strong franchises and expanding intellectual property across various media.
The Elder Scrolls Online Director Outlines Content Roadmap Following Xbox Layoffs
Following significant layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, game director Nick Giacomini has outlined a revised content roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online. Some features, including a new trial and combat refresh, have been pushed to 2027 to allow the team to re-establish development pipelines. Update 51 has been delayed to September 28th and will introduce new content and features, while ongoing seasonal content and events will proceed as planned.
'We are not looking to just maintain' Elder Scrolls Online, new ZeniMax boss says, but a bunch of updates have been delayed into 2027 and possibly beyond
ZeniMax Online Studios co-head Nick Giacomini stated that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to growth despite recent layoffs impacting the studio. However, significant updates, including the Class and Combat Refresh and a new Trial, have been delayed to 2027 or later. Update 51 is still scheduled for September 27, with Season 2 launching October 21.
Electronic Arts’ CEO pockets $38M bonus thanks to Battlefield 6, whose actual devs saw layoffs
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received a $38.7 million bonus for the 2026 fiscal year, attributed to the sales success of Battlefield 6. This occurred in the same year that saw layoffs for some developers working on the game. The report also mentions potential privatization of the company.
The Elder Scrolls Online Content Delayed to 2027 Following Xbox Layoffs
The Elder Scrolls Online is experiencing content delays into 2027 due to recent restructuring and layoffs at Xbox. These setbacks are impacting the game's development roadmap.
‘We are not looking to just maintain the game,’ Elder Scrolls Online boss says in new post-layoff roadmap
Following recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, Game Director Nick Giacomini has addressed players regarding the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. He confirmed the studio's dedication to the game's growth and outlined a revised roadmap, with some features like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52's PvP zone now slated for 2027. The studio will also collaborate more closely with Bethesda Game Studios.
"Our business did not grow with our audience": post-layoffs, Xbox execs are trying to sell a gaming division bounce back by summer 2027
Xbox executives Asha Sharma and Satya Nadella are outlining a strategy to return the gaming division to financial growth by Fiscal Year 2027, following recent mass layoffs. Despite an increase in players, business revenue declined, prompting a focus on investing in player value and leveraging existing intellectual property and studios.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox has "the best IP" and "talented studios around the world," is confident it'll "return" to growth after its worst quarter in years amid mass layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's future growth despite a recent poor financial quarter and mass layoffs, stating the company possesses "the best IP" and "talented studios." He anticipates a return to growth by fiscal year 2027, emphasizing necessary decisions to reset the business. This comes after Xbox head Asha Sharma admitted the division is currently "unhealthy."
If knowledge if power, why are game companies setting it alight?
Recent waves of layoffs in the video game industry, including significant cuts at Microsoft, are leading to a devastating loss of institutional knowledge. This collective wisdom, crucial for development workflows and efficiency, is often undocumented and passed between colleagues. Companies like Nintendo are highlighted as prioritizing the preservation of this knowledge, while others risk reinventing the wheel and facing increased crunch due to employee turnover.
