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Xbox Layoff Plans Reportedly Include Closing Arkane, Canceling Blade
Engadget • • general
Key Points:
- Microsoft is planning significant Xbox layoffs starting July 6, including the potential shutdown of Arkane Studios and cancellation of the delayed and over-budget Blade game.
- Reports indicate Microsoft may close or sell five Xbox studios next week: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane.
- Xbox leadership acknowledged being "over-extended" in a memo, prompting layoffs that have drawn criticism from Xbox union members demanding transparency and fair negotiations.
- Arkane Studios, known for Dishonored and Deathloop, faces closure after Microsoft already shut down its sister studio Arkane Austin earlier in 2024 amid widespread industry job losses.
- The video game industry has seen massive layoffs in 2023 and 2024, with Microsoft executing multiple studio closures, job cuts, and acquisitions including Activision Blizzard King and ZeniMax.
