Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs, Puts Activision In Charge Of Next Halo
Xbox has laid off another 268 employees, according to TheWrap, bringing its total cuts closer to its goal of eliminating 3,200 jobs. The company is now about three-quarters of the way through its previously announced restructuring plan.
An internal memo from Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty, reported by both TheWrap and PC Gamer, revealed a major studio reshuffle. Activision will now lead development of the next Halo game, forming a new team separate from its Call of Duty work.
Other changes include Obsidian being absorbed by Bethesda to work on a new Fallout title. Playground and Turn 10 studios are merging to focus on Forza and Fable games, and King will absorb Microsoft Casual Games.
Per TheWrap, Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has spun off to become an independent, employee-owned studio. However, Booty noted that similar agreements for Ninja Theory fell through, and Xbox is now consulting with that studio's employees about a potential closure.
Booty's memo stated the goal of the reorganization is to strengthen franchises by operating fewer business units and aligning groups that work closely together.
