Xbox Eyes Arkane Shutdown and Blade Cancellation in Broad Studio Downsize
TL;DR Summary
Microsoft’s Xbox division reportedly plans sweeping layoffs starting July 6, including shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade project, with five studios potentially closed or sold (Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Arkane). The moves follow a memo from CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty about over-extension, and come amid ongoing industry layoffs and prior studio restructurings; unions are pushing for transparency and good-faith negotiations.
- Xbox Layoff Plans Reportedly Include Closing Arkane, Canceling Blade Engadget
- CWA-represented workers at Xbox criticize Microsoft management and pending layoffs GamesBeat
- Xbox weighs canceling Blade game and shuttering Arkane The Verge
- Report: Xbox considering sale or closure of Arkane, other studios, as layoffs loom Game Developer
- Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead Labs Massively Overpowered
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