restructuring Archives

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Ubisoft reports 2.9% dip in net bookings

Ubisoft reported a 2.9 percent decline in net bookings for the quarter ending June 30th, generating €281.6 million. The decline was attributed to the poor performance of Rainbow Six: Siege and a delayed partnership. However, back catalogue sales increased by 4.4 percent, contributing €260.4 million in revenue. Ubisoft is restructuring into Creative Houses to improve operational efficiency, with the first house announced earlier this year, supported by Tencent. CEO Yves Guillemot highlighted the importance of this transformation for enhancing quality and accountability. The new subsidiary will manage major brands like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, marking a significant step in Ubisoft's restructuring efforts.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Supermassive Games makes layoffs

British game developer Supermassive is undergoing a restructuring that will result in job cuts affecting approximately 36 employees. The studio is providing support to those impacted by the layoffs. Additionally, the release of their sci-fi horror title, Directive 8020, has been delayed to the first half of 2026. The development of Little Nightmares 3 will not be affected by this restructuring.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft abruptly stops selling and renting movies and TV shows on Xbox and Windows devices

As of July 18, Microsoft has ceased the sale and rental of TV shows and movies on Xbox and Windows platforms. Customers can still access their previously purchased content on these devices, and Microsoft encourages users to explore third-party entertainment applications for viewing needs. Microsoft began offering TV shows and movies in 2006 through Xbox Live. Additionally, the company has initiated layoffs within its gaming division, affecting over 9,000 employees.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

The Chinese Room completes management buyout

The Chinese Room has transitioned to independence following a management buyout (MBO) and has severed ties with Sumo Digital, facilitated by venture capital firm Hiro Capital. The studio has undergone restructuring, resulting in layoffs, and currently employs 55 developers. Studio director Ed Daly confirmed that several roles were made redundant during this process. The studio is focusing on developing original intellectual properties as well as working with partner IPs, including projects like Still Wakes the Deep and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Additionally, John McCormack has been promoted to studio creative director, and Ross Manton has been promoted to production director.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Codev giant Virtuos making layoffs

Virtuos is reducing its workforce by approximately seven percent, equating to around 300 positions. The layoffs will primarily impact its Asian operations, with 200 employees affected, 70 roles in Europe, and fewer than ten positions in France. The company aims to realign its global capabilities to enhance high-value co-development services. Virtuos will provide separation pay, job placement assistance, and opportunities for affected employees within its network. This decision reflects broader job cuts in the gaming industry, as seen with Microsoft's recent layoffs.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

BioShock maestro Ken Levine says Judas is ‘very old school’ because ‘you buy the game and you get the whole thing… no online component, no live service’

More than a decade has passed since the release of Bioshock Infinite's expansion, Burial at Sea. The development of Infinite led to significant restructuring within Irrational Games, which transformed into Ghost Story Games. Ghost Story's first title, Judas, aims to revive single-player narrative-driven shooters. Ken Levine expressed optimism about the demand for such games despite a shift in the industry towards multiplayer and monetization strategies. He cited recent successful single-player games like Baldur's Gate 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as evidence that traditional single-player experiences can still thrive. The latest trailer for Judas, released in January 2024, emphasizes player choices. A fourth installment of the Bioshock franchise is in development at Cloud Chamber, featuring a team from Irrational and 2K Marin.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Subnautica 2 reportedly delayed into 2026 just months before Krafton was due to pay a $250 million bonus to developer Unknown Worlds

Krafton has announced a delay for Subnautica 2, now set for release in 2026, following playtests that indicated the need for improvements. The decision was based on a commitment to quality and community feedback, not contractual obligations. The delay affects a potential 0 million bonus tied to the game's timely release and revenue targets set for the end of 2025. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, and discussions about the delay had been ongoing prior to recent leadership changes at the studio. CEO Steve Papoutsis stated that the delay aims to enhance the game's content and was not motivated by financial considerations.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Ubisoft makes layoff at Red Storm

Ubisoft has announced a reduction in workforce at its Red Storm studio, eliminating 19 positions as part of a restructuring strategy for global cost efficiencies. The company emphasized the necessity of this move and stated that it is aligned with the studio's project needs. Ubisoft will provide severance packages, extended health-care benefits, and career transition assistance to those affected. The layoffs are specific to Red Storm, with no other studios facing cuts at this time. This is the second instance of workforce reductions at Red Storm, following layoffs in August 2024.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Romero Games reportedly met with Microsoft just a day before the publisher pulled funding for the studio, and there was ‘no mention’ of the decision that put over 100 people out of work

Romero Games has officially closed due to the withdrawal of crucial funding from Microsoft for its first-person shooter project. Former employees reported that meetings with the publisher occurred just a day before the funding was pulled, leaving the studio's future uncertain. Despite the closure, efforts are being made to explore alternative funding for the in-development FPS project. The studio had recently increased its social media presence and engaged with the gaming community through a new "FPS Fridays" series on Twitch.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

Matt Firor steps down as ZeniMax Online studio boss

Matt Firor is stepping down as president of ZeniMax Online Studios after 18 years. He will be succeeded by studio head Jo Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, and game director Rich Lambert. Firor expressed confidence in the new leadership team, which has been involved in significant expansions for Elder Scrolls Online. The transition occurs alongside restructuring at ZeniMax, including the cancellation of an MMO project called Blackbird. Firor joined ZeniMax in 2007 and his departure signifies a major change for the studio.