Layoffs
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Xbox is reportedly queuing up for three more layoff rounds starting as soon as this month
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first potentially starting this month. CEO Asha Sharma is described as 'resetting' the brand, and sources indicate that more studios may be consolidated. While plans could change, further firings are also anticipated in November and January 2027.
Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Further Xbox layoff rounds reportedly planned for this month, November, and January, while a Game Pass overhaul is in the works
Xbox is reportedly planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January, following earlier cuts this year, with a total of 3200 employees expected to be affected. Concurrently, an overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service is underway, aiming to offer subscribers more granular control over features like cloud gaming and multiplayer. The report also mentions ongoing development of a next-generation handheld console and a future console expected around 2028, with high projected costs.
Next gen Xbox console out in 2028 and more expensive than PS6 claims report
A report suggests Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will launch by Christmas 2028 and may cost between $1,200 and $1,800, significantly more than the anticipated PlayStation 6. This comes amid ongoing component shortages and a reported failure of the current Xbox Series X/S. The report also indicates a new next-generation handheld device will be released by Christmas 2027.
Xbox Will Go Through More Layoffs in October, November, and January – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly planning multiple rounds of layoffs in October, November, and January, following an initial wave in July. CEO Asha Sharma cited a need to cut costs and improve profitability due to over-expansion and underperforming investments. These cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs by fiscal year 2027 and have already led to the divestment of several studios.
Dune: Awakening studio faces layoffs as it restructures following console release
Norwegian developer Funcom is undergoing layoffs and restructuring following the console release of Dune: Awakening. Long-time CEO Rui Casais is stepping down, replaced by Scott Junior, as the company shifts from peak development to live service operations. This transition necessitates a reduction in the development team size, impacting employees who worked on Dune: Awakening.
Samson dev Liquid Swords has reportedly gone bankrupt
Swedish studio Liquid Swords, developer of the action game Samson, has reportedly filed for bankruptcy, affecting nearly 30 employees. The studio, co-founded by Christofer Sundberg, allegedly failed to pay developers for months, though Sweden's state wage guarantee should cover unpaid salaries. Samson received mixed reviews and suffered from technical issues upon its release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
A Halo extraction shooter and battle royale hybrid game was reportedly scrapped during the development of Campaign…
A planned Halo multiplayer game, described as a hybrid extraction shooter and battle royale, was reportedly scrapped by 343 Industries. The project, codenamed 'Project Ekur' and previously 'Project Tatanka,' would have featured squads of Spartans and Banished Brutes fighting AI-controlled Flood and other players on Zeta Halo. The studio also faced significant layoffs and the cancellation of other projects, including a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved.
Gameplay footage emerges of reportedly cancelled Assassin's Creed game Destiny
Gameplay footage has surfaced online for a reportedly cancelled Assassin's Creed game codenamed Destiny, which was allegedly in development at Tencent's TiMi Studio Group for current platforms. The leaked clips showcase stealth kills, the iconic Leap of Faith, and a unique spinning umbrella weapon, with the game reportedly set in 206 BCE. This news comes amidst broader negative developments for Ubisoft, including proposed studio closures and significant layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore.
What will happen to video games under Skydance?
The merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery will significantly impact the video game industry, potentially leading to layoffs, studio closures, and project cancellations. While studios like NetherRealm and Avalanche may be relatively safe due to successful IPs, Rocksteady faces uncertainty after the poor reception of Suicide Squad. The consolidation of major IPs under Skydance presents both creative opportunities and business challenges.
Fishlabs announces layoffs due to "changing project requirements," development and support teams affected
German developer Fishlabs has announced workforce reductions affecting its development and support teams due to changing project requirements. This follows a similar downsizing in 2023 as part of Embracer Group's restructuring. The studio expressed gratitude to affected employees and commitment to supporting them.
Dune: Awakening team faces layoffs as Funcom boss admits "we cannot sustain the size and structure" of the…
Funcom is implementing layoffs for its Dune: Awakening development team as the company pivots to focus on its ongoing projects, Conan Exiles and its other survival MMO. CEO Rui Casais admitted that Funcom "cannot sustain the size and structure" required for peak development as the game moves into post-launch operations. This follows a similar round of layoffs in October.
Ubisoft to reduce workforce across Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Mainz as part of "proposed voluntary departure plan"
Ubisoft is implementing a voluntary departure plan to reduce its German workforce by approximately 100 employees across its Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Mainz studios. This move is part of a broader cost-reduction initiative and restructuring effort by the company, which has previously led to job cuts and studio closures.
Ubisoft to close Trials studio RedLynx, downsize Ubisoft Singapore
Ubisoft is closing its Finnish developer RedLynx and reducing staff at Ubisoft Singapore, impacting over 100 jobs as part of a company-wide restructuring. RedLynx, known for the Trials series, will cease operations, while Ubisoft Singapore, responsible for Skull and Bones, will shift focus to supporting other teams. These changes are part of Ubisoft's broader effort to become a more agile and disciplined organization.
Ubisoft’s latest round of layoffs shuts down another studio and cuts into Skull and Bones staff
Ubisoft has announced another round of layoffs, impacting over 100 employees. The company is closing its Finnish studio RedLynx, known for the Trials series, resulting in 52 job losses. Additionally, 70 jobs are being cut from Ubisoft Singapore, the developer of Skull and Bones, as part of a restructuring into a 'Creative Houses' model.
Funcom confirms new layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as it focuses on Conan Exiles and Dune Awakening
Funcom is undergoing a significant restructuring, which includes an unspecified number of layoffs and the stepping down of CEO Rui Casais by year-end. The company will focus its efforts on the survival sandbox games Conan Exiles and Dune: Awakening. Scott Junior will replace Casais as CEO.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was a big hit, and now it's time for big layoffs at the studio that made…
Despite the commercial success of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft has laid off 70 employees at Ubisoft Singapore and is closing Ubisoft Redlynx, impacting up to 52 positions. These actions follow earlier layoffs at Ubisoft Barcelona after the successful launch of Black Flag Resynced, highlighting a trend of job cuts even after strong sales.
Ubisoft’s Latest Restructuring Plan Puts Trials Developer RedLynx On The Chopping Block
Ubisoft is undergoing significant restructuring, which includes a proposal to shut down Trials developer RedLynx and lay off 72 employees at its Ubisoft Singapore studio. The closure of RedLynx, which is currently not working on a new project, is a proposed economic measure affecting its 52 employees. Ubisoft Singapore, the lead developer for Skull and Bones, is also impacted by workforce reductions.
Ubisoft are making layoffs at Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced studio Ubisoft Singapore while closing Trials creators Redlynx, according to report
Ubisoft is reportedly planning to close its Finnish studio RedLynx, known for the Trials series, and lay off approximately 70 employees at Ubisoft Singapore, which worked on Assassin's Creed Black Flag and Skull and Bones. These actions are part of a wider studio review and follow previous staff cuts and ongoing strikes at other Ubisoft locations.
