Under the relatively new control of Asha Sharma, XBOX is continuing with a reset that is poised to make the company more efficient and set it up for a better future. We saw the results of the first phase of that reset, but it’s continued today, with some major announcements.
- Development of Halo games has been placed under Activision, meaning that they will be the source of the next game.
- Activision will also add World’s Edge and Rare to its remit.
- The two Forza development studios (Turn 10 and Playground Games) have been united into one. Of course, Playground is also working on the Fable reboot.
- Obsidian is joining Bethesda, and is bringing its projects with it. This includes Grounded and the next Fallout game.
- King will incorporate Microsoft Casual Games, bringing two mobile leaders together.
Unfortunately, this major shakeup means the loss of jobs. They’ve stated that the total job loss equals 268 roles across Halo Studios and other first party studios.
It has also been revealed that a deal to spin Ninja Theory off, much like they did with Compulsion, Double Fine and Undead Labs, has failed. In fact, it’s said that two deals fell through. As such, Microsoft/XBOX are going to work with the employees to seek a resolution.
We, here at Eggplante, wish those affected by this restructuring the best.