The original IP had been in development in some form for over a decade…| VGC
News of Microsoft’s major layoffs today keep rolling in, as the company informs around 9,000 employees of the cuts. I’ve heard from sources that the Xbox user research team has been hit hard, with nearly half the team affected. It’s a key team that focuses on ensuring quality across Xbox games, the platform, and developer tools. Even a product lead for Xbox Family and child safety has been laid off.| The Verge
He’s overseen major initiatives like the launch of Xbox Game Pass.| The Verge
Microsoft has today made significant layoffs to its gaming division, per a memo sent to staff by Xbox boss Phil Spencer and reviewed by IGN.| IGN
Microsoft is laying off 3% of its employees worldwide.| GamesIndustry.biz
Microsoft surpassed expectations on revenue and profit but is slimming down across ranks, organizations and geographies.| CNBC
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Many of Xbox's subsidiaries are getting hit by the layoffs this morning, including Call of Duty studios such as Raven. Big cuts at Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 - nearly 50% of staff, per source.| Bluesky Social
BREAKING: The new MMORPG project from Zenimax Online Studios, maker of Elder Scrolls Online, has been canceled as part of the Xbox layoffs, sources tell Bloomberg News. The project, code-named Blackbird, had been in development since 2018. Still more news to come this morning.| Bluesky Social
BREAKING: As part of today's cuts, Xbox has canceled the troubled Rare game Everwild, according to people familiar. News on the job cuts is coming in drips — not sure why Xbox didn't announce it all at once — but I'll report what I can as I confirm it.| Bluesky Social
Microsoft is reportedly planning a "major" round of layoffs at Xbox next week.| GamesIndustry.biz