Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Report: Two former Rare execs are leaving Xbox
Two former Rare executives, Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor, are departing from Xbox. Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, and O'Connor, chief of staff, leave amidst reports of a 'business reset' and potential layoffs within Xbox. These departures follow a period of significant changes and discussions about the future sustainability of the Xbox division.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” Xbox
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, is departing Microsoft after 15 years, along with his chief of staff Louise O'Connor. These changes precede reported layoffs and potential studio closures as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset" the business. The departures follow comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the need to make Xbox a sustainable business.
Xbox Games Studios loses two top execs, days after Microsoft CEO calls for company "reset"
Xbox Games Studios leader Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have departed Microsoft, shortly after CEO Asha Sharma called for a business "reset." The departures follow reports of impending mass layoffs within the company. Duncan and O'Connor are veterans of Rare, having worked on titles like Sea of Thieves and the cancelled Everwild.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, then
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
Comings and Goings
The head of Xbox Game Studios has resigned from their position. This news comes shortly before anticipated mass layoffs are expected to occur within the company.
Xbox studios exec and former Rare boss resigns ahead of expected mass layoffs
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are leaving Microsoft amidst reports of impending mass layoffs within the Xbox division. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, cited his purpose in serving studios and teams. These departures come as Xbox undergoes significant changes, including a pivot back to exclusive games and potential restructuring.
Xbox Game Studios chief reportedly steps down as layoffs loom
Xbox Game Studios is reportedly facing layoffs, with Xbox Game Studios chief Craig Duncan stepping down. The news follows a period of uncertainty for the company.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Departs Amid Growing Concern Over Layoffs and Possible Studio Shutdowns
Two senior managers at Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios are departing the company. This comes amid growing concerns about impending layoffs and the potential closure of some studios within the division.
Uppgift: Ghost Recon har problem, "orealistiska deadlines och dålig planering"
Sources claim the next Ghost Recon game, codenamed 'Project OVR', is facing significant development issues including unrealistic deadlines and poor planning, leading to internal goal misses. Ubisoft has reportedly assigned new management to oversee the project, sparking fears of potential reboots, cancellations, and further layoffs within its Paris studio. The company has not commented on the allegations.
Chris Avellone says Xbox studios are increasingly concerned about layoffs
Veteran game designer Chris Avellone reports growing concern among Xbox first-party studios regarding potential layoffs, despite previous assurances. Employees are reportedly receiving conflicting messages about their future following recent leadership changes and a company-wide focus on efficiency and core franchises.
Report: Microsoft weighing up spinning off Xbox
Microsoft is reportedly considering spinning off or restructuring its Xbox division as a wholly owned subsidiary to improve its financial sustainability. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma has reportedly received approval to increase spending on key franchises like Halo and Fallout to accelerate development, despite recent revenue declines and plans for further layoffs.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – Rumor
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have reportedly stepped down. Duncan stated in an email that his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, and he is proud of the launches achieved during his 20-month tenure. Matt Booty is expected to oversee Xbox Game Studios in the interim, amidst rumors of further layoffs and potential studio closures at Xbox.
Xbox Closing At Least 2 Studios by 2026 End, Including One “Which Could Come as a Shock” – Rumor
Insider Gaming reports that at least two Xbox Game Studios are at risk of being shut down by the end of 2026, with one closure potentially being a surprise. While specific studios like Obsidian and Rare are reportedly safe, titles that underperformed, such as Forza Motorsport and South of Midnight, could put studios like Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, and Turn 10 Studios at risk.
Something for the Weekend – 13/06/26
Nintendo held a surprise Nintendo Direct, revealing a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, alongside new titles like Final Fantasy Resonance and Xenoblade Genesis. The week also saw reports of major layoffs at Xbox due to subscriber losses and Ubisoft closing two studios. Reviews included Crushed In Time and Midnight Saturn, with previews of Romestead and Dark Heresy.
Xbox Could Become Its Own Entity, Claims Report
A report suggests Microsoft is considering restructuring or spinning off the Xbox brand due to financial losses on consoles. While investments in games are planned, upcoming layoffs are raising concerns about the future of the Xbox division.
380 uppges få gå i nya Ubisoft-nedskärningar
Ubisoft is reportedly planning further layoffs, potentially affecting up to 380 employees and leading to the closure of studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade. This follows previous cost-saving measures and staff reductions earlier in the year, which have decreased the company's workforce significantly since its peak.
"Xbox will dissolve into Windows," ex PlayStation boss says, which is Microsoft's "strength"
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shuhei Yoshida speculated that Xbox will be integrated into Microsoft's Windows platform, calling it Microsoft's strength. This prediction follows reports of significant layoffs within the Xbox division under new CEO Asha Sharma, amidst declining hardware sales and an increasing trend of Xbox titles releasing on PlayStation 5.
Even with PS5 Ports, Many of Xbox's Games Have Been Underperfoming
An internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the division is operating at a 3% accountability margin, leading to layoffs. Many of Xbox's first-party games, even those with PlayStation 5 ports, have underperformed in sales and Xbox Game Pass engagement, failing to meet expectations.
Playstack sold, Xbox announces business 'reset,' and is generative AI poisoning the well? - Patch Notes #56
Playstack has been sold to Integrated Media Company, with TruFin divesting its majority stake. Xbox announced a business 'reset' involving potential layoffs and studio closures, as confirmed by leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. Concerns are also rising about generative AI's impact on the industry, with Take-Two's former head of AI, Luke Dicken, expressing worries about the current hype cycle.
