Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last year
Unionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
007 developer suffers layoffs and Blade faces cancellation as Xbox cuts funding
Microsoft is reportedly considering closing at least five studios, including Arkane Studios, which is working on Marvel's Blade, and has pulled funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. These cuts follow Xbox boss Asha Sharma's promise of a company 'reset' and are expected to lead to significant layoffs. While Arkane's Blade is at risk of cancellation due to budget overruns, IO Interactive remains committed to Project Fantasy despite the funding setback.
007 First Light studio IOI facing layoffs as Xbox pulls funding for Project Fantasy RPG
Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision will lead to layoffs at the Hitman and 007 First Light developer. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though they maintain their overall investment in games remains the same.
Developers at a Ubisoft studio have gone on strike in response to the publisher's latest round of sweeping layoffs
Developers at Ubisoft Barcelona have gone on strike protesting recent layoffs and demanding job security, a return to remote work, and the approval of internal promotions. The strike, organized by the union La Confederación General del Trabajo, is part of ongoing turmoil for Ubisoft following studio closures and restructuring.
Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has ended its deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision, attributed to Xbox reshaping its investment priorities, is expected to lead to redundancies at IO Interactive. Despite the setback, IO Interactive remains committed to releasing the game.
Dishonored developer Arkane is reportedly one of five studios Microsoft is targeting to close down as part of its big 'reset'
Microsoft is reportedly considering closing down Arkane Studios, the developer of the Dishonored series and Marvel's Blade, as part of a major 'reset' plan for its Xbox division. Arkane is among five studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Undead Labs, whose futures are uncertain. The company is also planning significant layoffs, potentially affecting over 1,000 jobs, with cost-cutting measures impacting various parts of the division.
Xbox claim they're "not reducing [their] investment in games" despite looming cuts, as report claims under 2.5% of Microsoft's total workforce are in the firing line
Despite reports of potential studio cuts and funding deal withdrawals, Xbox asserts it is not reducing its overall investment in game development. A new report indicates that planned Microsoft layoffs will affect less than 2.5% of the company's total workforce, with cuts expected early next week.
Uppsägningar hos Io Interactive när Xbox drar in finansiering
Io Interactive has announced layoffs due to the termination of a partnership with an external party for their fantasy RPG, 'Project Fantasy'. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft, which was set to be the financier and publisher, has withdrawn its support. While the project is not canceled, its future is uncertain without external funding. Xbox stated that their investment strategy is shifting, not decreasing overall.
Comings and Goings
Upcoming layoffs at Xbox are already creating significant disruption within the gaming industry. The article discusses the potential aftermath and broader implications of these workforce reductions.
IO Interactive’s Project Fantasy Faces Layoffs After Xbox Ends Partnership
IO Interactive has announced layoffs due to Project Fantasy and the end of a partnership with an external party, confirmed to be Xbox. Despite the staffing changes and the partnership's conclusion, the company remains committed to the online fantasy role-playing game. This situation mirrors other projects that faced upheaval after Xbox ended partnerships, though Project Fantasy is not cancelled.
Marvel’s Blade Could Be Cancelled as Xbox Considers Shutting Down Arkane Studios – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is considering cancelling Marvel's Blade and potentially closing Arkane Studios in Lyon due to budget concerns and impending layoffs. Other studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs are also reportedly on the chopping block, with potential layoffs extending to id Software and Blizzard Entertainment.
Xbox layoff plans reportedly include closing Arkane, canceling Blade
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs starting next week, which may include the closure of Arkane Studios and the cancellation of the Blade game. These cuts are part of a broader restructuring within the company.
Xbox pulls funding for 007 First Light dev's new fantasy RPG, prompting layoffs as Microsoft insists "we're not reducing our overall investment in games"
Xbox has withdrawn funding for IO Interactive's upcoming online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to layoffs at the developer. Microsoft stated that while overall investment in games remains the same, the company is shifting its investment focus. IO Interactive confirmed its commitment to completing the game despite the funding change.
Possible Layoffs At IO Interactive As Xbox Pulls Out Of Funding Deal For “Project Fantasy”
IO Interactive has reportedly scrapped its "Project Fantasy" game after Microsoft withdrew funding for the deal. The studio is expected to downsize, though it hopes to revive the project in the future. This comes after the success of their title "007 First Light."
Microsoft reportedly add Arkane and their Blade game to the potential shuttering pile
Microsoft is reportedly considering shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade game, with potential layoffs affecting up to 1000 employees across Xbox. Other studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are also rumored to be on the chopping block. The company is also reportedly divesting its partnership with IO Interactive on Project Fantasy.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead Labs
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several of its gaming studios, including Undead Labs, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. These cuts are reportedly the largest for Xbox and come as the company evaluates its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition. Unionized workers at Xbox are reportedly organizing to negotiate over potential job losses.
Hideo Kojima’s OD Is Reportedly Safe From Upcoming Xbox Cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming Xbox console-exclusive horror game, OD, is reportedly safe from potential studio closures and game cancellations at Xbox. Despite widespread rumors of layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, a source indicates OD remains in development at Kojima Productions and will still be published by Xbox. This news comes as Xbox undergoes changes under new CEO Asha Sharma, with several other studios and games reportedly facing uncertainty.
IO Interactive to lay off employees after Xbox pulls support for untitled fantasy game
IO Interactive is laying off employees after Microsoft-owned Xbox withdrew funding and publishing support for its in-development fantasy game, codenamed 'Project Fantasy.' The studio confirmed the news on X, stating they must adapt to the consequences, including staffing decisions, and are committed to supporting those affected. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though overall investment in games remains the same.
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPG
IO Interactive has lost external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to anticipated layoffs. Microsoft confirmed it was the partner that pulled funding as it re-evaluates its investments. This news comes shortly after the successful launch of 007 First Light, but casts a shadow over the future of Project Fantasy and potentially other studios working with Microsoft.
