gaming division Archives

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Report: Xbox poised to make yet more layoffs

Microsoft is expected to announce significant job cuts in its Xbox division next week, as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. This follows earlier reports of potential layoffs affecting thousands of positions in Microsoft's sales business. The upcoming layoffs at Xbox would mark the fourth round of job reductions in 18 months, totaling approximately 15,000 employees let go since January 2023. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, confirmed the redundancy of 650 staff members in September 2024, highlighting the emotional impact of these changes and the importance of support within the team.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Xbox handheld rumoured to be ‘essentially cancelled’ but the new Asus Xbox Ally is actually a preview of all future Xbox consoles, not just handhelds

A recent report suggests that the anticipated Xbox handheld console may be "essentially canceled." The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, recently unveiled, are not true Xbox consoles but PC handhelds using existing PC chips and a new iteration of Windows optimized for gaming. Microsoft has rebranded its gaming division as 'Xbox PC' and acknowledged Steam as a competitor. None of these developments have been officially confirmed.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

‘Xbox PC’ Could Be Microsoft’s Next Big Thing

Microsoft is considering the introduction of the 'Xbox PC' branding to unify its PC games and applications under a single identity. The Xbox PC logo was seen at the end of a gameplay trailer for the game MIO: Memories In Orbit, suggesting a potential cohesive branding strategy for Microsoft's gaming content on PCs. This initiative aims to clarify the distinction between Xbox and PC gaming, particularly with the Game Pass service available on both platforms. However, Microsoft has not yet officially confirmed this new branding for its PC gaming division.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Nintendo is bringing one of its exclusive games to PC claims Microsoft website

A listing on Microsoft’s Edge Game Assist webpage includes the Nintendo title Xenoblade Chronicles X, which has raised speculation about potential collaborations between Microsoft and Nintendo. Despite this, many believe the inclusion is likely a mistake, as the game is not available on PC. Xenoblade Chronicles X was released for the Nintendo Switch in March and is the last major Wii U title to be ported to the platform. All Xenoblade games are now accessible on the Switch, and Monolith Soft, the developer, is reportedly working on a new role-playing game. The chances of a partnership between Microsoft and Nintendo to bring exclusive titles to PC seem slim.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Microsoft cuts 3% of workforce

Microsoft has announced a reduction in its workforce by three percent, equating to approximately 6,840 positions, as part of its strategic efforts to align with market dynamics. As of June 2024, Microsoft employed around 228,000 individuals. A WARN notice has been filed in Washington state, indicating that 1,985 employees will be affected, though it is unclear if this number pertains only to Washington or the entire U.S. In January 2023, Microsoft cut 10,000 jobs (4.5% of its workforce), followed by 1,900 positions in January 2024 within its gaming division, and another 650 employees by September 2024. Further layoffs are expected to be announced in January 2025.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Warner reportedly axes Hogwarts Legacy expansion

Warner Bros has halted the development of an expansion for Hogwarts Legacy due to concerns that the amount of content did not justify the proposed price. The expansion was being developed by Avalanche Software in collaboration with Rocksteady Studios. Rocksteady has faced challenges, including layoffs and ceasing support for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which contributed to Warner Bros' admission of underperformance in its gaming division. The company also decided to close three studios, including Monolith Productions, and experienced a leadership change with the departure of gaming division head David Haddad.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

Microsoft Paywalls Its AI Features in Notepad and Paint

Microsoft has announced that access to certain features in Notepad and Paint will now require a paid subscription to a Microsoft 365 account. Users will need this subscription to access new AI enhancements, including an image generator in Paint and AI-driven text rewriting in Notepad. Windows users without a subscription will still have access to core functionalities, but subscription-required features will be grayed out. Ram Bala, an associate professor of business analytics, notes that this aligns with a broader "freemium" strategy due to the high operational costs of deploying AI features. Bala highlights a trend in the tech industry toward usage-based pricing models for AI services. Microsoft has made significant investments in AI, incorporating features across its applications, but some initiatives, like the Copilot feature, have faced delays and privacy concerns.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Industry vet Verdu departs Netflix

Mike Verdu has officially left Netflix, where he had been leading its gaming division since 2021 before overseeing generative artificial intelligence initiatives. He was replaced by Alain Tascan from Epic Games. Following Verdu's departure, Netflix has been adjusting its gaming strategy, including shutting down its Team Blue studio and experiencing talent departures, such as Joseph Staten and Chacko Sonny. Additionally, layoffs occurred at Night School Studio, indicating ongoing restructuring within Netflix's gaming operations.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Games revenue dipped 53% at Warner Bros during 2024

Warner Bros reported a 53% drop in revenue for its gaming division in 2024, as disclosed in its 10-K filing with the SEC. The overall content revenue declined by eight percent, primarily due to the decrease in gaming revenue, which saw a 29% year-on-year drop in the final quarter of 2024. The decline is attributed to underperforming titles in 2024, following the success of previous releases like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1. The company plans to close several studios, including Monolith, Player First, and its San Diego studio, and will focus on four key franchises: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Comics. Warner Bros aims to restore profitability to its Games division by 2025 and enhance its contribution to the company's growth.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Netflix cuts staff from Night School Studio

Netflix has initiated layoffs at Night School Studio, which will not affect the studio's current content lineup. The layoffs were announced in January and are part of a broader shift in Netflix's gaming strategy, which includes the closure of its triple-A Blue studio. Mike Verdu has transitioned to a new role overseeing generative AI, and Alain Tascan has been appointed to lead Netflix's gaming division. Night School Studio was acquired by Netflix in 2021.