Xbox restructuring sees studio transfers, layoffs and CEO confidence
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the Xbox restructuring was progressing well, emphasizing confidence in the studio lineup and growth plans, in Redmond, Washington. Xbox had announced on 22 September that the Rare studio and the Halo franchise would be transferred to Activision and that Ninja Theory would enter a closure consultation, according to GamesIndustry. biz. Insider Gaming reported that Obsidian Entertainment was placed under Bethesda, expanding Bethesda’s remit. Jalopnik said Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios were merged into a single unit focused on the Forza and Fable franchises.
The Verge disclosed that 268 jobs were cut across Xbox Game Studios as part of the reshuffle. Aftermath quoted Bethesda president Jill Braff, who said Obsidian would retain its leadership and creative focus after the integration. Eurogamer. net noted that the reassignments and layoffs sparked uncertainty among fans about future development direction.
