Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
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The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Xbox are parting ways with Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory in the course of thousands of layoffs
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 3200 employees and is parting ways with five Xbox-owned studios: Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory. Some studios will become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane's future is uncertain. CEO Asha Sharma cited rising costs, underperforming acquisitions, and a challenging industry landscape as reasons for the "reset."
Google loses protracted antitrust fight and will have to pay record-breaking €4.1 billion fine equivalent to less…
Google has lost its appeal at the Court of Justice of the European Union, confirming a record-breaking €4.1 billion fine. The fine was originally imposed in 2018 for forcing manufacturers to pre-load Google products on Android devices. This latest ruling upholds the penalty, bringing Google's total EU antitrust fines to €11 billion over the past decade.
Another giant US company is looking to expand into gaming claims report
NBCUniversal, the company behind Universal Pictures and the streaming service Peacock, is reportedly considering expanding into the video game business. This potential move comes as the company is preparing for a spin-off from Comcast. While no specific plans have been revealed, NBCUniversal is assessing various growth opportunities, with gaming being one of them.
Business and Finance
The United Kingdom is reportedly considering intervention in the potential takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Global. This development suggests significant regulatory scrutiny over the proposed business transaction.
Getty Images is canceling its $3.7 billion Shutterstock merger due to UK restrictions
Getty Images is terminating its $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock due to restrictions imposed by UK regulators. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing consolidation within the stock media industry.
Slitherine acquires Warhammer Blood Bowl licence from troubled French publisher Nacon
Slitherine Software has acquired the publishing rights and back catalogue for the Blood Bowl franchise from Nacon, which recently filed for insolvency. The game will continue to be developed by Cyanide Studio under a long-term development deal with Slitherine. This acquisition is part of Slitherine's wider expansion into strategy and tactics games.
Evening Reading - July 30, 2026
This article rounds up various gaming news items from July 30, 2026. Highlights include a live-action Persona adaptation for Netflix, a fall 2026 release window for Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2, and SECI Interactive warning of staffing decisions after Microsoft pulled out of publishing Project Fantasy. It also touches on esports events like EVO 2026 for 2XKO and mentions updates for games like Battlefield 6 and Turok: Origin.
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.
Report: NBCUniversal could expand into games after Comcast spinoff
NBCUniversal is reportedly considering entering the video game industry as part of a planned spinoff from its parent company, Comcast. This move aims to explore new growth opportunities in adjacent businesses. NBCUniversal has previously partnered with Nintendo for the successful Super Mario Bros. animated movie franchise.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
Business and Finance
NBCUniversal is reportedly considering entering the video game business following a potential split from Comcast. In separate news, Griffin Gaming Partners has acquired a strategic stake in the video game publisher tinyBuild.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
Numerous employees at Microsoft-owned Compulsion Games are reportedly looking for new jobs, with some indicating they have been given permission to do so due to impending layoffs. While not officially confirmed as layoffs by studio leadership, the situation mirrors reports of potential closures and job cuts at other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory. These expected layoffs are anticipated to occur in early July, following the end of Microsoft's fiscal year.
Business and Finance
Denmu has announced a $50 million fund aimed at supporting game developers. Separately, reports indicate that the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is nearing approval from EU antitrust regulators.
EA reportedly lays off customer service, recruitment & safety staff ahead of $55 billion Saudi sale
Electronic Arts has reportedly conducted layoffs affecting customer service, recruitment, trust and safety, and IT teams in remote roles and its Hyderabad, India office. These cuts are occurring as EA nears its planned $55 billion sale to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The company cited a need to adapt to changing fan needs as the reason for the proposed role changes.
Business and Finance
Tencent is reportedly in discussions to divest its stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially incurring a loss. Meanwhile, Italy's second-largest independent game studio has successfully bought back its independence from Embracer Group.
Not content with Star Wars and Marvel, Disney reportedly considered buying James Bond before Amazon: "I figured…
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that the company considered acquiring the James Bond franchise before Amazon ultimately purchased it. Disney had previously acquired Marvel and Lucasfilm, and James Bond was on their list of potential acquisitions. Amazon's acquisition of the franchise, reportedly for $20 million, has led to discussions about potential spin-offs and a cinematic universe.
The grim industry summer continues as EA lays off staff ahead of $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia, likely to soothe the…
Electronic Arts is reportedly laying off an unknown number of staff ahead of its $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which will hold a 93.4% stake. These layoffs, affecting teams like recruitment and customer support, are occurring before the acquisition closes, likely due to EA's significant loan debt. This follows a trend of industry layoffs, including Microsoft's recent actions after acquiring Activision Blizzard, and raises concerns about sportswashing.
Report: Tencent mulling exits from multiple Japanese studios
Chinese conglomerate Tencent is reportedly considering selling off minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially at a financial loss. This move is part of a portfolio reassessment aimed at refocusing on user-generated content platforms. While investments in PlatinumGames Inc and FromSoftware are reportedly safe, the future of other studios like Marvelous remains uncertain.
Report: Tencent plans to exit investments in Japanese studios like Story of Seasons developer Marvelous
Tencent is reportedly considering exiting some of its minority investments in Japanese game studios, including Marvelous, as part of a global portfolio reassessment. This move aims to divest stakes where envisioned synergies have lapsed, though investments in companies like FromSoftware and PlatinumGames are expected to remain unaffected. Tencent has stated its continued commitment to the Japanese game market.
