Microsoft Shakes Up Xbox Studio Portfolio
Microsoft's games division is reportedly closing or spinning off several subsidiary studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, amidst rumors of layoffs and studio closures.
Key points
- Microsoft's Xbox division is allegedly closing or spinning off studios Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory.
- Compulsion Games, known for the 2025 action-adventure game South of Midnight, is negotiating its future with Microsoft.
- Double Fine, a 25-year-old San Francisco-based studio, has not commented on its fate beyond a cryptic social media post.
- Several employees from the affected studios have taken to social media to express their concerns and search for new job opportunities.
- The exact number of layoffs and studio closures remains unconfirmed, with Microsoft yet to make an official statement.
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly undergoing significant changes, with several subsidiary studios facing closure or spin-off. The affected studios include Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. Compulsion Games, known for the 2025 action-adventure game South of Midnight, is said to be negotiating its future with Microsoft. Double Fine, a 25-year-old San Francisco-based studio, has not commented on its fate beyond a cryptic social media post.
Several employees from the affected studios have taken to social media to express their concerns and search for new job opportunities. The exact number of layoffs and studio closures remains unconfirmed, with Microsoft yet to make an official statement. The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with many speculating about the potential impact on Xbox's future game development plans.
The situation is still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how Microsoft will proceed with the affected studios. However, it is clear that the company is undergoing significant changes in its games division, which may have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry as a whole.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.