Four Xbox Studios Are Leaving Microsoft As Arkane Lyon Faces Uncertain Future

Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, leading to layoffs and the sale of several studios including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are becoming independent, while Arkane Lyon's future remains uncertain.

▸ entities in this article

COMPANY Microsoft
COMPANY Ninja Theory
COMPANY Compulsion Games
COMPANY DoubleFine
COMPANY Undead Labs
COMPANY Xbox
COMPANY Arkane Lyon

PART OF A STORY

by feed.gg

16 articles · 13 sources 13 days ago

Xbox Restructures, Studios Face Closure Amid Funding Shifts

Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, leading to funding cuts for external projects like IO Interactive's 'Project Fantasy'. Several internal studios, including Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, are reportedly at risk of closure. This strategic shift aims to refocus investments on major franchises and secure exclusive content pipelines.

COMPANY Xbox
COMPANY Compulsion Games
COMPANY Ninja Theory
COMPANY Undead Labs

Sources covering this · 13

Summary: what's happening at Xbox?Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3. Retro Gamer · 4 days ago
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches. Gamespot · 4 days ago
Compulsion Games and Double Fine confirm "Independence Day" from XboxCompulsion Games and Double Fine have confirmed their return to independent management following significant layoffs and studio divestitures at Xbox. Compulsion Games will retain the rights to its titles, including We Happy Few and South of Midnight, while Double Fine also regains ownership of its games. This news comes as part of broader restructuring within Xbox's gaming division, affecting multiple studios. Games Industry · 7 days ago

Show 13 additional articles