Studio Divestment
Ongoing coverage on Studio Divestment.
Latest coverage
Report: Ninja Theory lays off workers after failing to spin off from Xbox
Ninja Theory is reportedly undergoing layoffs after Microsoft failed to find a buyer or a way to keep the studio operational under Xbox. The developer, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has seen several employees post about their roles being at risk. This follows a broader "reset" within Xbox that led to 3200 job cuts and the successful divestiture of Undead Labs.
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.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
'No One Puts Double Fine Out of Business Except for Me' — Tim Schafer Explains How He Kept Double Fine Afloat After Leaving Xbox
Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine, discussed how he managed to keep the studio afloat after Xbox divested it during a recent restructuring. Schafer expressed a strong sentiment about his efforts to prevent the studio's closure.
Compulsion Games Is Now Officially An Ex-Xbox Studio
Compulsion Games has officially separated from Microsoft and is no longer an Xbox studio. The studio's management team acquired the company, and Microsoft transferred intellectual property rights, including for 'South of Midnight,' back to Compulsion. This move allows Compulsion to retain its staff and pursue its future projects independently, with plans to secure new financial backing.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
Xbox to reduce workforce by 3,200, five studios to be divested
Xbox announced significant workforce reductions affecting 3,200 employees and the divestment of five studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane. Compulsion Games and Double Fine will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set for new ownership to continue development on their respective projects. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the company is refocusing its strategy, acknowledging that it cannot be the best home for every studio.
