Major Game Studios Face Layoffs and Closures Amid Industry Turmoil
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs and potential studio closures across its gaming division. Ubisoft is also shutting down multiple studios, impacting hundreds of jobs. These widespread reductions signal a challenging period for the entire video game industry.
Coverage across 3 outlets
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.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?
The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
Comings and Goings
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, while Ubisoft is closing multiple studios, leading to approximately 380 job losses. These events highlight a challenging period for the gaming industry.