project cancellations Archives

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Google executive responsible for AI has a solution for the game industry’s problems, and you’re not going to believe this but it’s AI

Jack Buser, the global director for games at Google Cloud, is focusing on using AI and cloud solutions to tackle challenges in the gaming industry. He noted a rebound in revenue growth but highlighted issues such as declining profits, project cancellations, and layoffs, with only Roblox and the Chinese market thriving. Buser advocates for AI as a potential solution, despite concerns about "rightsizing" strategies that may prioritize profits over employee welfare. His previous role at Stadia ended with mixed results, raising doubts about the feasibility of AI-driven game development. The industry is still awaiting a groundbreaking AI-generated game. Buser emphasizes the need for clearer discussions about AI and suggests that embracing it could lead to easier revenue generation, similar to trends in reality television.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cosy life sim game Alterra

Ubisoft has canceled Project Alterra, an original game described as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim" with Minecraft-like elements. The decision was communicated to the development team on April 21st, resulting in an early dismissal for staff, although no layoffs were reported. The project had been in development by Ubisoft Montréal for nearly three years, led by creative director Patrick Redding and lead producer Fabien Lhéraud. Employees involved in Alterra have been reassigned to other projects within the company. Ubisoft stated that it continuously assesses projects to ensure they align with strategic priorities and quality standards, leading to the discontinuation of those that do not meet expectations.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

The Last of Us star Troy Baker wants to make his own game studio, but he wants to “do it right”

Troy Baker, known for his roles in video games like The Last of Us, is establishing his own game studio to take control of the narrative process and tell his own stories. He aims to blend lessons from his past experiences in the industry into new projects and is focused on building a team of trusted collaborators. Baker recognizes the challenges of transforming ideas into tangible products and emphasizes a careful approach to development, stating that he wants to avoid rushing the process. His venture could potentially create job opportunities for developers amidst industry challenges like layoffs and project cancellations.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026

In 2026, the gaming industry is experiencing a push for unionization among developers, highlighted by a legal dispute involving Rockstar Games and former developers of GTA 6. The proposed billion-dollar acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) could reshape North American gaming, potentially leading to significant cuts and debt for EA. A healthier dialogue about the portrayal of sex in gaming is emerging amid a crackdown on adult-themed games. Microsoft faces job cuts and project cancellations while announcing record profits, raising ethical concerns about its partnerships and creative stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents challenges for developers, influencing future game narratives. Additionally, the generative AI boom is disrupting RAM availability and pricing, potentially increasing costs for gaming hardware.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

‘We actually didn’t attribute any value’ to Warner’s game studios, Netflix boss says about the acquisition deal: ‘They’re relatively minor compared to the grand scheme of things’

Netflix has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at nearly billion, which includes assets such as HBO, HBO Max, the DC Universe, and game studios. Despite this acquisition, Netflix's interest in expanding its gaming initiatives appears limited, as the company is shifting focus towards investments in generative AI. Warner Bros. has experienced both successes and challenges in its gaming division, with notable titles like Hogwarts Legacy and failures such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League leading to restructuring and project cancellations. The future of Warner Bros. Discovery and its gaming division remains uncertain amidst ongoing industry changes.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

NetEase racks up its third studio casualty in one week, kneecapping dev working on a Warhammer MMO: ‘Devastated doesn’t even begin to cover it’

Jackalyptic Games, which was developing a Warhammer MMO, has ended its partnership with NetEase Games after nearly three and a half years. This is the third studio to be affected by NetEase's actions this week, contributing to a total of six Western studios that have closed this year. CEO Jack Emmert announced the situation on LinkedIn, indicating uncertainty for the studio's future, as many team members are now seeking new jobs. The trend of studios being abandoned by NetEase includes others like Fantastic Pixel Castle, Bad Brain, and T-Minus Zero, raising concerns about the viability of MMO development amid a challenging industry landscape marked by layoffs and project cancellations.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Report: Microsoft demanding Xbox operate at 30% profit margin

Microsoft has set a profit margin target of 30 percent for its Xbox division, which is higher than the industry standard of 17 to 22 percent. This directive has led to layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures as the company shifts its focus to align resources with its strategic vision. An Xbox representative emphasized the need to balance creativity, innovation, and sustainability in their offerings.