realignment Archives

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.

AppWizard

September 9, 2024

Merge Games axes Chelford office

Publisher Merge Games is closing its Chelford office in the UK as part of a broader integration into its parent company, Maximum Entertainment. The number of employees affected is undisclosed. CEO Christina Seelye mentioned that this decision is part of necessary cost-cutting measures and reflects the challenging landscape the company faces. The restructuring follows Zordix's rebranding of its games business as Maximum Entertainment earlier in 2023.

AppWizard

August 19, 2024

Ubisoft lays off 45 US staff

Ubisoft has announced a reduction of 45 positions within its U.S. operations, affecting employees at Red Storm Entertainment in Cary, North Carolina, and the San Francisco office. The restructuring was confirmed by an Ubisoft representative and aims to align the organizational structure with future business and development goals. The company will provide severance packages and career assistance to those affected. Red Storm Entertainment had its mobile title The Division: Heartland canceled earlier this year, while Ubisoft San Francisco is developing the free-to-play shooter, XDefiant.

AppWizard

August 1, 2024

Bungie lays off 220 staff

Bungie has announced the layoff of 220 employees, which is about 17% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort to reduce costs and focus on its main titles, Destiny and Marathon. Additionally, 155 positions will transition to its parent company, Sony Interactive Entertainment, to enhance collaboration. Bungie is also working with PlayStation Studios to create a new development team for a project in the incubation phase. The layoffs will impact various levels of the organization, including executive roles, and the company is providing exit packages that include severance, bonuses, and health coverage. This is the second round of layoffs within a year, following a previous reduction of 100 staff members in October 2023.