In the bloodshedding many were expecting following the July 4th weekend, and the change of Microsoft's fiscal new year, Xbox has revealed their many many changes coming to the studios and teams that make up their console business. Over 1600 employees were impacted yesterday, and another 1600 will be throughout the rest of 2026-2027's fiscal year for Microsoft.
The headliner for many is going to be the four confirmed studios that Microsoft has found a purchaser for or is allowing to leave, with their IP intact. These four studios made up 'only' 350 employees of those leaving Microsoft today.
None of these agreements require the games to go on Game Pass or any similar agreements like that.
Arkane is in a similar position but because of France's labor laws, negotiations couldn't begin consultation with the works council until things were announced. The hope appears to be to find someone to buy the studio and take on Blade which has run over budget and been delayed.
The departures from those studios only make up 1250 of the 1600 reduction in team size for the day or 2950 of the 3200 planned over the next year, which means the...
