World's Edge loses nearly half its staff and a new project amid Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio responsible for the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half of its staff and seen a new game project cancelled. This comes as part of broader Xbox layoffs and a restructuring that has placed the studio under Activision's control. Former creative director Adam Isgreen confirmed his own departure and that of many colleagues, expressing disappointment about unfulfilled plans for the franchise's future.
Rock Paper Shotgun was the first to report on the layoffs and project cancellation. All 5 outlets agree on the significant staff reduction and the studio's new reporting structure under Activision. This follows a recent Xbox restructuring that eliminated 268 jobs across multiple studios, with Rare and World's Edge specifically placed under Activision's purview.
Coverage across 5 outlets
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.
Microsoft Culled Age of Empires Studio Before Handing It Over to Activision, With Nearly Half of All Staff Gone
Microsoft's Age of Empires studio, World's Edge, has lost nearly half of its staff due to recent layoffs. This occurred before the studio was reportedly handed over to Activision Blizzard.
RTS legend laid off after 16 years at Microsoft as Xbox guts Age of Empires studio World's Edge: "We had some…
Microsoft's ongoing "reset" has led to significant layoffs at the Age of Empires studio World's Edge, with studio creative director Adam Isgreen confirming that "just under half the studio was let go." Isgreen, who spent 16 years at Microsoft working on various titles including Age of Empires 4, expressed disappointment about the unfulfilled plans for the franchise's future. This follows a broader trend of job cuts across Xbox and the integration of some Xbox studios under Activision Blizzard.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lost "nearly half" of its staff during yesterday's Xbox cuts and move to Activision
The Age of Empires studio World's Edge has reportedly lost nearly half of its staff following an Xbox restructuring that moved the studio under Activision's control. Former creative director Adam Isgreen confirmed his own departure and that of many colleagues. This news comes amidst broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Xbox, though the article also notes the success of Star Wars Zero Company, which has sold over a million copies despite its development team facing furlough.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio managing the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half its staff due to Microsoft's Xbox consolidation and layoffs. A new game project was also allegedly cancelled as part of these changes, which are part of a wider 'reset' of Microsoft's games business.
