workforce Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Ends FrontPage RPC in Secure 365 Update

Microsoft plans to block outdated protocols, including FrontPage Remote Procedure Call, as part of its "Secure by Default" initiative to enhance cybersecurity within its Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This decision aims to phase out legacy technologies that pose security risks, reflecting a broader industry trend toward prioritizing robust cybersecurity over maintaining older systems. The impact will be significant in enterprise environments, where legacy systems are often critical, requiring IT teams to identify dependencies on these protocols. While Microsoft provides guidance for migration, the responsibility lies with customers, which may strain relationships with long-time clients.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Embracer’s headcount dropped by 1.8k staff last year

Embracer Group has reduced its workforce by over 1,800 employees, specifically a decrease of 1,857 compared to the previous fiscal year. This follows approximately 1,400 job losses in the prior year. The company has also divested several studios, including Gearbox and Saber Interactive. Embracer is planning to split into three publicly-traded entities, and founder and CEO Lars Wingefors will step down, with Phil Rogers taking over as CEO. Wingefors will become executive chairman of the Board, focusing on strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and capital allocation.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Report: The Chinese Room has laid off small number of staff

The Chinese Room has reportedly reduced its workforce, with about ten employees seeking new job opportunities, although the studio has not confirmed the layoffs or the number of affected employees. Studio Director Ed Daly stated that more information about the studio's situation will be shared in the coming weeks. The studio, acquired by Sumo Digital in 2018, recently developed the Siren's Rest DLC for Still Wakes The Deep and took over the development of Paradox's Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in 2023. Sumo Group has undergone significant changes, shifting back to a work-for-hire model and experiencing departures of its founders and several developers. Speculation exists regarding the future of The Chinese Room, including the possibility of a sale.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Sony laying off 30% of Bend Studio staff

PlayStation's Bend Studio has reduced its workforce by nearly one-third, affecting approximately 40 employees, following the cancellation of a live-service project and another service-based game. The studio employs around 130 individuals, and the layoffs were confirmed via social media. Bend Studio expressed gratitude towards the departing employees for their contributions. The studio is known for its title, Days Gone, released in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and in 2021 for PC.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Amazon may have cancelled the Wheel of Time show, but the open world RPG ploughs ahead with talent from games like Dark Age of Camelot and Lord of the Rings Online

Amazon has canceled its adaptation of Robert Jordan's fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, despite improvements in its second season and a memorable third season episode. The decision comes amid concerns over production costs and the series' lack of critical acclaim compared to Game of Thrones. Meanwhile, iwot Games is developing a video game adaptation of The Wheel of Time, announced in April, which is being led by Craig Alexander and aims to create a triple-A, open-world RPG that honors the source material. The team includes experienced designers from notable titles. The previous Wheel of Time game was released in 1999. The Rhuidean episode from season three is highlighted as a standout piece of television that may attract renewed interest in the series.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Chronicles: Medieval Is a Mount and Blade-Like ‘Dynamic Medieval Sandbox RPG’ Out Next Year in Early Access

Raw Power Games, an independent studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark, introduced its first title, Chronicles: Medieval, during the Summer Game Fest 2025. The studio has around 100 employees with experience from notable games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Chronicles: Medieval is a dynamic medieval sandbox RPG set in 14th to 15th century Europe, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary 'Asgard' technology. Players can craft their own narratives, engage in intense combat, and lead armies in battles. The game features character creation, troop recruitment, and third-person battlefield engagement, with historical units like English longbowmen and French cavalry. The combat system emphasizes realism and fluid weapon mechanics, developed in collaboration with HEMA expert Björn Rüther. The game allows for player choices and potential diplomatic interactions, with modding capabilities hinted at. An early access launch on PC is planned for next year.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Build a Rocket Boy loses two c-suite execs ahead of MindsEye launch

Two senior executives at Build a Rocket Boy, Riley Graebner (chief legal officer) and Paul Bland (chief financial officer), have announced their departures ahead of the launch of the game MindsEye. Graebner, who served for three and a half years, noted the company's growth to over 450 employees and the successful launch of multiple products. Bland left after a two-year tenure. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard suggested that negative sentiment towards MindsEye may be influenced by external forces, although he did not provide evidence for this claim.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Torchlight 3 studio Echtra Games, acquired by Zynga in 2021 to help it move into PC and console gaming, is being closed without doing that

Zynga has announced the closure of Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3, ending development on future titles and reducing roles at the studio. This decision is part of a broader realignment of the company's resources and priorities. Echtra was acquired by Zynga shortly after the release of Torchlight 3, which received mixed reviews. The closure follows the shutdown of NaturalMotion's Star Wars: Hunters and reflects a trend within the gaming industry of companies reassessing their portfolios. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive, Zynga's parent company, has faced a workforce reduction of approximately 5% and sold its Private Division publishing division. The share price of Take-Two fluctuated after the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now set for a May 26, 2026 release on consoles.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

People Can Fly lays off staff as it cans two projects

Polish developer People Can Fly has decided to scale down its teams after canceling two projects, Gemini and Bifrost. CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski announced the halt in development due to issues with their publishing partner for Gemini and funding problems for Bifrost. The studio has faced challenges in recent years, including the termination of a publishing deal with Take-Two Interactive in 2022 and two rounds of layoffs in 2024. Despite these setbacks, the studio announced a collaboration with The Coalition on Gears of War: E-Day, set for early 2025.