Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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CONFIRMED: Microsoft Hands Halo to Call of Duty Developer Activision as Part of Huge Xbox Studios Shakeup
Microsoft has confirmed that Activision will develop the next mainline Halo game, following significant layoffs and a major restructure of its Xbox Studios. This decision shifts the development of the iconic franchise away from its original studio.
Xbox’s next wave of layoffs and game studio consolidation is reportedly happening this week
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for another wave of layoffs and studio consolidation this week, affecting hundreds of game developers. This follows previous cuts that impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online. The potential consolidation also includes Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard.
Xbox’s Second Wave Of Planned Layoffs Is Reportedly Starting As Studios Face Major Restructuring
Xbox is reportedly initiating a second wave of layoffs, affecting approximately 1,600 employees, as part of a major restructuring of its gaming division. This initiative, led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, aims to make the division more profitable and involves consolidating studios and potentially moving franchises like Halo to Activision Blizzard. Several first-party studios have also recently become independent or been sold off.
Blizzard layoffs are reportedly imminent, days after an exciting BlizzCon and a seemingly popular World of Warcraft: Forever beta
Reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is facing imminent layoffs, despite recent successes like a popular beta for World of Warcraft: Forever and announcements at BlizzCon 2026. These cuts are expected to affect the company as part of broader job reductions within the Xbox division.
Insiders Warn More Bad News Is Coming From Xbox Today, With Halo Potentially Being Handed To ABK
Insiders report that Xbox is preparing for further layoffs and significant restructuring, with the possibility of the Halo franchise being transferred to Activision Blizzard. Speculation also points to potential studio closures and consolidations within Microsoft's gaming division.
More Xbox layoffs imminent as Activision takes control of Halo claim reports
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning another wave of significant layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of employees this week, as part of a broader studio consolidation. Reports suggest that the Halo franchise and its associated studios may be moved under Activision Blizzard. This follows multiple rounds of job cuts and studio closures at Xbox over the past few years, which the article attributes to poor management.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
Xbox reportedly set to announce second round of layoffs this week
Xbox is reportedly preparing for a second round of layoffs this week as part of an ongoing restructuring that includes consolidating several of its game studios. This follows an earlier round of 1,600 redundancies and the divestment of five studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited spreading resources too thin and fragmentation as reasons for the changes, aiming for future growth.
Xbox to Undergo New Round of Layoffs Affecting “Several” Employees, Will Consolidate Studios – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly preparing for another round of significant layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of employees across multiple studios, including Blizzard. This follows previous job cuts and a stated need to 'reset Xbox' due to weakening business margins. The company is also consolidating some of its studios, with Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs being divested.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
New Bungie leaders insist they are fixing the studio despite Destiny 2 layoffs, tell players to "keep us…
Bungie leadership has acknowledged recent layoffs and failures with Marathon, promising to fix the studio's operations and focus on player satisfaction for Destiny 2 and Marathon. Studio heads Poria Torkan and Josh Deane are asking players to hold them accountable for delivering on their renewed commitments.
French publisher Dear Villagers confirms layoffs
French publisher Dear Villagers has confirmed layoffs affecting approximately 15 employees due to a reorganization by its owner, Plug In Digital. The company stated the decision was necessary to adapt to the rapidly evolving video game market and its new economic realities.
Japanese devs aren't facing the same layoff crisis because their executives are paid an order of magnitude less, 'they didn’t get swept up in the live-service trend,' and their teams are smaller, says industry expert
Industry expert Amir Satvat suggests Japanese game developers are less affected by the ongoing layoff crisis due to lower executive salaries, smaller team sizes, and a general avoidance of the live-service trend. While companies like Nintendo, Konami, and Capcom maintain high staff retention, Satvat notes that Japanese executives earn significantly less than their Western counterparts, contributing to greater stability.
Hyper Light Breaker developer Heart Machine lays off ‘nearly everyone at the studio’
Developer Heart Machine has laid off nearly all of its staff after a publisher canceled an unannounced title, which was the studio's primary source of income. Studio founder Alx Preston confirmed the devastating news, stating that affected employees are receiving support and job placement assistance. The studio, known for Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, has fallen victim to a lack of publisher funding.
"They've watched so many people lose their jobs, that has an impact" – Managing morale in the wake of layoffs
The video game industry is facing a significant morale crisis due to widespread layoffs, impacting both those who lose their jobs and those who remain. Experts emphasize the need for companies to rebuild trust through honesty and consistent action, rather than manufactured excitement. Maintaining employee morale and development is crucial, especially for HR departments dealing with the emotional toll and increased workload.
Why do Japanese studios suffer fewer layoffs? Because they have smaller teams and don't pay their execs $30m, says one expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game studios experience fewer layoffs due to smaller team sizes, a focus on protecting core staff, and significantly lower executive salaries compared to Western companies. While not a utopia, the Japanese industry's resilience is attributed to avoiding mega-blockbuster trends and excessive executive compensation, contrasting sharply with the widespread job losses seen in North America and Europe.
"Publishers are afraid of certain parts of the world": Saber Interactive's message to North American studios is to get their head out of their own geography
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits advises North American studios to diversify their business models beyond large, expensive AAA projects. He suggests embracing work-for-hire, smaller-scale games, and international co-development to ensure financial stability amidst industry layoffs and rising costs. Willits criticizes the traditional approach of maintaining large teams before a vertical slice, advocating for smaller, agile teams and exploring diverse markets.
Japanese Studios Are Doing Well Thanks to Small Teams and Pay Packages for Executives – Analyst
Analyst Amir Satvat suggests Japanese game companies are performing better than Western counterparts due to smaller teams, lower executive salaries, and less involvement in the live-service trend, leading to higher staff retention. While North America and Europe account for 96% of industry layoffs, Japanese firms like Nintendo, Konami, and Capcom maintain high retention rates.
MindsEye and Everywhere developer Build A Rocket Boy appears to be headed for shutdown after fresh layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye and Everywhere, appears to be facing shutdown following significant layoffs. Insiders suggest the studio is winding down operations, though official statements are pending. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has spoken out against alleged mistreatment of employees and pledged support to those affected.
