The recent restructuring within Xbox has brought significant changes to World’s Edge Studio, the team now responsible for the Age of Empires franchise. In a statement made by Xbox CCO Matt Booty, the studio’s challenges were only briefly acknowledged, leaving many to speculate about the full extent of the impact.
Layoffs and Reflections
Former creative director Adam Isgreen took to resetera to share his experience, revealing that nearly half of the studio’s workforce was affected by the layoffs, including himself. “What a morning,” he remarked, using the verified account name Tempus Chaoti. His candidness highlights the emotional toll such decisions can take on those involved.
In a subsequent LinkedIn post, Isgreen elaborated on the situation, indicating that the reorganization resulted in the cancellation of their next project and a significant reduction in staff. He expressed pride in the work accomplished during his tenure, stating, “I didn’t think I’d be working on RTS games again years after their first ‘heyday,’ but am I ever proud of what our studio team and partners were able to do with the series and juice the genre’s return.” His sentiments resonate with many fans who appreciated the studio’s contributions to the franchise.
While layoffs are inherently distressing, the recent developments at Xbox raise questions about the company’s approach to its gaming divisions. Microsoft’s history of restructuring extends beyond the gaming industry, and the apparent disregard for the legacy of established studios during this “reset” is concerning. The situation at World’s Edge Studio mirrors earlier events involving other teams, such as id Software, further emphasizing the need for a thoughtful strategy moving forward.
