XBOX has published a statement further on its “reset” confirmed that it has “eliminated” 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party studios, XGS management and the central functions layer. Executive Vice President, Matt Booty confirmed the below:
“The actions completed since July, inclusive of the studio divestitures, bring us roughly three-quarters of the way through previously announced restructuring. I am deeply grateful for what our colleagues have built, and I know how difficult today will be for those leaving and the teams around them.”
There will also be some restructuring to game studios, as outlined below:
- Activision will expand its remit to World’s Edge, as well as Rare. Activision will also be developing the next Halo title, led by a new, purpose-built team that is separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty. A small team at Halo Studios will continue supporting the Halo community and games in-market.
- Bethesda will expand its remit to include Obsidian, which will continue its current projects, including Grounded, as well as the new Fallout project made in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios.
- King will expand its remit to include Microsoft Casual Games, uniting our two global leaders in casual game design and live operations.
- Playground and Turn 10 will come together as one studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises. These two studios have been creative and franchise partners for over a decade, and today’s changes will formally move their work into one team.
They also confirmed that two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through and that consultation with employees on a proposed closure will begin while continuing to explore other paths forward. Consultation with Arkane still remains underway and is expected to continue through the end of the year.
Our thoughts go out to all of those affected in the recent round of layoffs.