Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Thick as Thieves Studio Hit by Layoffs Affecting 17 Employees Due to Another Project’s Cancellation
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 17 employees following the cancellation of a project codenamed Argos. The studio, which recently released the co-op stealth game Thick as Thieves on PC, cited the challenging industry climate as a reason for the project's unviability. Several former employees have confirmed their departure and are seeking new employment.
A Dead By Daylight Feature Film Is In The Works, Slated For Release In Late 2027
Behaviour Interactive is developing a Dead by Daylight feature film, with a planned release in late 2027. Game director Mathieu Cote confirmed the project, which follows the game's integration of characters like Jason Voorhees. This news comes amidst recent layoffs at the studio.
Warren Spector-helmed Thick as Thieves developers OtherSide lay off 17 staff as they cancel multiplayer immersive sim Argos: Riders on the Storm
OtherSide Entertainment, co-helmed by industry veterans Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, has laid off 17 employees following the cancellation of their multiplayer immersive sim, Argos: Riders on the Storm. The studio cited the "brutally challenging" state of the games industry as the reason for making the game unviable. Their other title, Thick as Thieves, recently shifted focus to solo and co-op play.
Amid all the closures and layoffs, the global games market has apparently passed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the…
The global games market has surpassed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the first time, reaching $201.6 billion according to Newzoo, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. Mobile gaming leads this growth, followed by PC and console gaming, despite widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. This financial success contrasts sharply with the recent difficulties faced by many companies and employees within the sector.
Amid Concern Over Xbox Studio 'Bloodbath,' New Report Says Developers Are Being 'Punished Today for Following Orders'
A new report indicates significant layoffs are expected within Xbox studios, potentially leading to studio closures. Developers are reportedly feeling punished for following company directives amidst these organizational changes.
OtherSide Entertainment cuts 17 jobs after Argos cancellation
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 17 employees following the cancellation of its in-development project, Argos. The studio cited challenging industry conditions as the reason for the project's unviability. This follows a history of project cancellations and IP acquisitions for the developer.
Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer Bethesda "will be fine" as "they make all the money," but layoffs for the rest of ZeniMax "have begun," Duke Nukem co-creator says
George Broussard, co-creator of Duke Nukem, has confirmed that layoffs have begun at ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios. While Bethesda is reportedly unaffected due to its profitability, other studios under ZeniMax may face deeper cuts. Broussard attributes these issues partly to mismanagement and recent changes within Microsoft's Xbox division.
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that layoffs may have begun at Zenimax Studios, according to a co-founder of 3D Realms. The article does not provide specific details or confirmation of these claims.
Comings and Goings
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 17 employees. The article does not provide further details on the reasons for the layoffs or the specific roles affected.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Anyone Not Working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout at Bethesda is Being Laid Off – Rumor
Reports suggest that ZeniMax Media, including studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software, is undergoing significant layoffs, with employees not working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout projects being particularly affected. This comes amid broader Xbox restructuring and potential studio closures for titles like Hellblade and South of Midnight, as executives cite revenue losses and rising hardware costs.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
Report: Redundancies at Microsoft owned Zenimax have begun
Microsoft has reportedly begun significant layoffs and studio closures within its Zenimax Media division, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions are also facing potential shutdowns. This news follows recent announcements about Xbox game exclusivity and a reported decline in profitability, indicating a major business reset for the brand.
Bungie reportedly firing half the studio following Destiny’s 2 demise
Bungie is reportedly planning to lay off approximately half of its workforce following a period of underperformance for its game Destiny 2. The company has not yet officially commented on the situation.
OtherSide Entertainment lays off 17 staff following game cancellation
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 17 employees following the cancellation of a game codenamed Argos. Studio leaders Warren Spector and Paul Neurath stated that the current challenging gaming landscape made the project unviable. The studio is seeking new opportunities for the impacted staff.
'There Are Other Xbox Studios in Trouble': Ominous Reports as Microsoft 'Bloodbath' Looms
Journalist Jason Schreier reports that Xbox is facing significant layoffs and potential studio closures beyond Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. These "bloodbath" events are expected within the next two weeks, with negotiations underway for studio spin-offs or sales. The situation is attributed to financial pressures, including the costly Activision Blizzard acquisition and a failure to grow Game Pass significantly.
Canceled Project Blackbird May Have Been Perfect Replacement For Destiny, Insider Says
Insider reports suggest Microsoft's canceled action-RPG MMO, Project Blackbird, could have been a successful replacement for Destiny 2. Developed by the ZeniMax team, the game was reportedly canceled in mid-2025 due to financial reasons, despite positive internal feedback. Its cancellation is seen as a missed opportunity for Xbox to fill a void in the live-service market.
Rumor Mill
Bungie is reportedly planning significant layoffs, potentially affecting 50% of its staff this summer. This news comes as the game Destiny 2 has seen a resurgence in revenue, climbing into Steam's top 3. The article speculates on the reasons behind these contrasting trends.
Just Weeks After Launching Highly Rated PS5 Game Luna Abyss, the Team Has Been Laid Off
Kwalee Labs, the development team behind the recently released PlayStation 5 game Luna Abyss, has been laid off just weeks after the game's launch. Despite receiving positive reviews and player reception, all nine members of the team are now available for work. This news comes amidst broader industry concerns about layoffs, with reports suggesting further redundancies at companies like Xbox.
Microsoft Apparently Already Knew It Would Be Closing Ninja Theory When It Announced Senua
Microsoft reportedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory before the studio announced its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This decision was part of a broader strategy following a "reset" memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, citing declining revenues despite significant investments. While Microsoft is reportedly exploring buyouts for Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, the future of these studios and their franchises remains uncertain.
