Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Gears of War: E-Day Studio Fears Layoffs, Demoralized by Story Director’s Departure – Rumor
Sources at The Coalition report significant fear and demoralization following the departure of story director Juan Vaca and other developers, despite the studio's previous perceived safety from Xbox layoffs. Concerns are high regarding potential future layoffs, restructuring under Activision Blizzard, and the payout of Metacritic-tied bonuses, leading to a somber atmosphere as Gears of War: E-Day approaches its release.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Asha Sharma says ‘Xbox is not for sale’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has directly refuted rumors suggesting Microsoft is considering selling the Xbox division. In a New York Times interview, Sharma stated unequivocally that 'Xbox is not for sale,' amidst ongoing company restructuring and layoffs.
Xbox CEO Insists It’s Not For Sale Amid Studio Closures, Layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, despite recent analyst predictions and significant studio closures and layoffs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, even as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised the recent 'streamlining' efforts within the division.
Veteran Halo lead has suggestions for how Activision could actually make "the greatest Halo game ever," and they include hiring "Bungie, Halo Studios, and other laid-off folks"
Veteran Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three distinct paths for Activision to create a successful Halo game, including a return to classic gameplay, a radical reinvention, or adapting the IP to modern business models. He specifically suggests hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios, noting the talent pool available after recent Microsoft layoffs.
Elder Scrolls Online’s developers acknowledge ‘challenging’ road ahead after the brutal 2026 layoffs
Developers at ZeniMax have acknowledged the significant impact of the spring layoffs, which resulted in 213 employees being let go from The Elder Scrolls Online. Game Director Nick Giacomini stated that the team is still struggling with the losses and has had to push back planned 2026 updates to 2027 due to reduced resources, though he remains optimistic about the future.
Aliens Fireteam Elite 2 dev Cold Iron Studios suffers an undisclosed number of layoffs
Developer Cold Iron Studios has undergone an undisclosed number of layoffs, impacting staff working on Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2. The studio confirmed the difficult decision in a Discord announcement, expressing gratitude for the contributions of departing employees. Despite the staff reduction, Cold Iron Studios plans to continue supporting Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 and is working on a Nintendo Switch version targeting a 2027 release.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
Microsoft boss Nadella says Xbox has to invent "sustainable business model"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must invent a sustainable business model to reach more players, viewing recent layoffs and studio closures under Asha Sharma as positive "streamlining." Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox returning to growth in the next fiscal year, emphasizing the goal of being a leading publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 Developer Hit With Layoffs, Nintendo Switch 2 Release Pushed to Early 2027
Cold Iron Studios, the developer of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, has experienced significant layoffs as announced by its parent company Enad Global 7. Despite these cuts, support for the game will continue, though the Nintendo Switch 2 version has been delayed to early 2027. The game itself received mixed reviews, with criticisms focusing on its story, animations, and repetitive structure, though its customization and core shooting mechanics were praised.
Gears of War story director laid off mere days after E-Day went gold
Gears of War story director Juan Vaca was laid off by Microsoft as part of a wider Xbox reset, just days after Gears of War: E-Day went gold. The Coalition studio was not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, but Vaca confirmed his layoff on LinkedIn. This incident highlights the precarious nature of employment in the games industry, even after significant contributions.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
Make My MMO: Loftia’s impending beginning, Ship of Heroes’ inevitable end
This column tracks the status of crowdfunded MMOs, highlighting upcoming early access launches for Loftia and Monsters & Memories. It also reports on the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen's delay and layoffs, and updates on various other crowdfunded titles.
Microsoft CEO Says “Streamlining” by Xbox Team is “Great to See” in the Wake of Layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and future game development despite recent restructuring and significant layoffs. He praised Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's streamlining efforts and reiterated the goal of sustainable business models for broader game accessibility. However, the division faces challenges including declining hardware revenue and pressure to deliver successful exclusives.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's "streamlining" is "great to see" despite cuts and layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's future and praised ongoing "streamlining" efforts led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent significant layoffs and studio closures. Nadella stated his confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games, while emphasizing the need for sustainable business models to reach more players.
The Elder Scrolls Online's devs are pushing through hard times after layoffs and delays: 'We didn't want…
The Elder Scrolls Online's development team at Zenimax Online is navigating significant challenges following substantial layoffs and project delays. Despite a 60% reduction in staff over the past year, developers express commitment to the game and its community, pushing updates to 2027 to ensure quality over rushed releases. The team is also experimenting with new content types like 'rumours' to foster player discovery.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's 'streamlining' process is 'great to see' following its most recent…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on the recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring, describing the process as "great to see" and comparing it to streamlining a Formula 1 car. Despite significant job cuts and studio closures, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to grow as a publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox consoles.
