realignment Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Tencent backs new Ubisoft subsidiary

Ubisoft has established a new subsidiary dedicated to its major franchises, including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. This entity will manage both upcoming titles and the existing catalog, allowing for increased investment and development. Tencent has invested €1.16 billion for a 25 percent stake in this subsidiary, which is valued at approximately €4 billion. Ubisoft's current market capitalization is around €1.91 billion. The move is part of Ubisoft's strategy to transform its operating model and build strong game ecosystems. There have also been discussions about potentially selling some of Ubisoft's intellectual properties to companies like Microsoft and EA.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Warner Bros shuts down three studios, including Monolith

Warner Bros has announced the closure of three development studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and its mobile-focused San Diego studio. As a result, 131 employees in Kirkland, Washington, will be laid off. Monolith Productions is known for titles such as Fear, Condemned, Shadow of Mordor, and Shadow of War, but its anticipated Wonder Woman game will not be developed. Player First Games is recognized for the game Multiversus. Warner Bros stated that the closures are part of a strategic shift to focus on key franchises like Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones, and emphasized that the decision does not reflect the talent of the teams involved.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

NetEase Games reportedly cutting non-Chinese studios

NetEase is reevaluating its international gaming ventures and considering the sale of several foreign studios. This decision follows a 3.3 percent decline in gross profits year-on-year and a reassessment of financing projects with uncertain returns. The company has withdrawn support for certain projects and laid off staff at its Swedish studio, Liquid Swords. Studios in Europe, America, and Japan are being given time to find new investors. NetEase aims to adopt a more cautious approach while continuing to invest in its global business and nurturing talent. The company has been in the gaming industry for over two decades and is still exploring single-player game development. During an earnings call, Mr. Ding emphasized the importance of evaluating the progress and viability of their studios and products.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Report: BioWare is now less than 100 people strong

BioWare's workforce has decreased to fewer than 100 employees, down from over 200 two years ago. Recent layoffs have impacted key personnel, including writer Trick Weekes and producer Jenn Cheverie, as the studio shifts its focus to the next Mass Effect installment. Some employees have been transitioned to other studios within Electronic Arts. General Manager Gary McKay stated that the studio does not require full support at this stage of development and has worked to match staff with open roles at EA.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

IllFonic is making job cuts

IllFonic, the studio behind Friday the 13th: The Game and Predator: Hunting Grounds, announced staff reductions due to challenges in the gaming industry. CEO Charles Brungardt attributed the decision to broader industry conditions and the struggles of their latest release, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, which has not maintained a strong player base. He expressed regret over the cuts and encouraged industry connections for displaced team members.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Bandai Namco dissolves online subsidiary

Bandai Namco has announced the dissolution of its online division, Bandai Namco Online, which will be fully integrated into the broader Bandai Namco structure. Founded in 2009, Bandai Namco Online focused on developing online gaming experiences, with notable titles including Dragon Ball Z: X KeeperZ, Gundam Evolution, and Blue Protocol. The decision is part of a strategic realignment due to "recent changes in the environment surrounding the game business." Earlier this year, Bandai Namco also announced the shutdown of Blue Protocol, set to conclude on January 18, 2025.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

ProbablyMonsters lays off Battle Barge staff

ProbablyMonsters has laid off approximately 50 employees from its BattleBarge team as part of a strategic realignment to support smaller teams and projects. The company, founded in 2019 by Harold Ryan, aims to adapt to the evolving needs of players and the market. Firewalk, one of its notable studios, was acquired by PlayStation in 2023 but has since closed following the poor performance of its game, Concord.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Nightingale firm Inflexion lays off staff

Inflexion Games has laid off at least 22 employees as part of a restructuring effort due to broader trends affecting the gaming industry. The company stated that the decision was made to ensure long-term sustainability. Nightingale, the studio's fantasy survival game, has not met expected commercial success since its Early Access launch in February, receiving Mixed reviews on Steam, although recent feedback has improved to Very Positive. Inflexion Games, founded in 2018 and acquired by Tencent, is committed to assisting affected employees during this transition.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

Google announces big reorg: Gemini app team moves to DeepMind, Assistant now part of Pixel/Android

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a reorganization involving the Gemini, Assistant, and Search teams to enhance operational efficiency and innovation. The Gemini app team will move from the Knowledge & Information division to the Google DeepMind organization to improve feedback loops and expedite new model rollouts. The Assistant teams focused on devices will be reassigned to the Platforms & Devices division to consolidate AI-powered home initiatives. Prabhakar Raghavan will step down as chief of Google Search to become Chief Technologist, collaborating with Pichai on technical direction. Nick Fox will take over the Knowledge & Information division as Senior Vice President, leveraging his experience to drive innovation.

Winsage

October 1, 2024

WordPad’s final curtain call arrives in Windows 11 Version 24H2

Microsoft has officially removed WordPad with the rollout of the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, marking the end of the application that has been part of the Windows ecosystem since 1995. WordPad was deprecated in 2022 and will no longer receive updates or support. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text files as alternatives. Additionally, Microsoft is also discontinuing Windows Mixed Reality, shifting focus to enterprise-grade mixed reality solutions. The removal of legacy features aligns with Microsoft's strategy to modernize its operating system. Speculation exists regarding the potential removal of the Windows Control Panel as settings continue to transition to the newer Settings app.