Everything is exploding in the world of video games. Microsoft has taken the scissors and announced a historic restructuring at Xbox that includes thousands of layoffs, the sale of entire studios, and an uncertain future for several titles. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma herself was in charge of communicating the news that shook the industry: about 1,600 employees have already received their termination notices, and another 1,600 positions will disappear during the current fiscal year.
But it doesn’t end there. Four studios will cease to be part of Microsoft, and one of them could directly shut its doors if a buyer doesn’t appear. Arkane Studios, the studio behind blockbusters like Dishonored and Prey, is in the crosshairs: the company has initiated a process to evaluate strategic alternatives, including a possible sale. Arkane founder Raphaël Colantonio made a joking comment asking «how much?» for the studio, and the joke went viral among fans.
Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are also on the transfer list. According to Sharma, both studios have begun the process to join new owners, with funding aimed at completing and expanding Senua and State of Decay 3. In other words, the games continue, but the studios are leaving.
And the flagship service, Xbox Game Pass, also shows signs of weakness. According to The Wall Street Journal, the platform has about 30 million subscribers, a figure that is far from the 34-35 million previously reported and even further from the 77 million projected for 2026 when Activision was acquired.
In parallel, the future of titles like Marvel’s Blade remains unconfirmed, while State of Decay 3 would move forward under Undead Labs’ new structure. Bethesda, for its part, will reinforce its commitment to heavy franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein, according to Bloomberg.
In an internal email leaked by IGN, Jill Braff explained that the move aims to reorganize work to strengthen the business, better coordinate resources among studios, and prioritize franchises with the greatest growth potential. But those who are losing their jobs probably aren’t too happy with the explanation.
The restructuring also reached Xbox’s accessibility team, including members of Bethesda’s user research area. Microsoft assured that accessibility remains a priority, but the facts show that the axe cut evenly.
Finally, The Elder Scrolls Online modified its content roadmap due to internal changes at ZeniMax Online Studios. A true earthquake that leaves the gaming community on edge.
Para mí esto es el capitalismo en su peor cara: 1.600 pibes a la calle mientras los yankis se forran en guita. Xbox se vende al mejor postor y Game Pass se va al carajo. Menos juegos, más explotación. ¡Viva la lucha de clases, che!
Para mí esto huele a que se llenaron de vagos con la agenda wokista y ahora pagan los platos rotos. Arkane y Ninja Theory son una poronga overrated, Game Pass una estafa. ¡Vuelvan los juegos de verdad, no esta mierda progre! Firmado: GAMER_PATRIOTA