The impact Microsoft holds on the gaming industry is quite eye-opening when putting the scale into perspective following the latest string of layoffs. Probably one of the most impactful comes in the form of Turn 10 Studios. With reportedly 50 percent of the workforce let go, it was revealed by one employee that the Forza Motorsport team is being dissolved with focus to support the Forza Horizon effort primarily.
Additionally, other teams are also shutting down under the Xbox umbrella. After showcasing a presentation for the Perfect Dark reboot, The Initiative is to be closing its doors as well. Other disappointing news that came from the firings is Rare veteran Gregg Mayles is to exit the developer after three decades. Alongside Louise O’Connor, the two are planning to depart following the cancellation of Everwild.
In a new development from Romero Games, the studio spearheaded by Doom co-creator John Romero, the game studio is also closing. And although not a direct Xbox Game Studios team, it was receiving funding by Microsoft which was cut in the latest layoffs. Via a post on X, studio director Brenda Romero share a statement.
“We have some difficult news to share. Last night, we learned that our publisher has canceled funding for our game along with several other unannounced projects at other studios. This was a strategic decision made at a high level within the publisher, well above our visibility or control. We deeply wish there had been something, anything, we could have done to prevent this outcome,” the letterhead reads.
“This absolutely isn’t a reflection of our team’s work, performance, or the quality of the project itself. We hit every milestone on time, every time, consistently received high praise, and easily passed all our internal gates. We are incredibly proud of the work being done, and of the talented team behind it. The best we’ve worked with. We’re currently evaluating next steps and working quickly to support our team.”
Through another post on X, hard surface artist Christoph Redl on X corroborates the story elaborating he and the team is out of a job thanks to the Xbox layoffs. “Unfortunately, due to the recent Xbox layoffs, I’ve lost my position at Romero Games.” What is your opinion on the latest team affected by these Microsoft layoffs?
