Xbox layoffs reportedly gut Id Software’s coding team and cut 60-70 developers from Obsidian
Reports indicate significant workforce reductions at Xbox studios, specifically targeting Id Software's coding team and Obsidian's development staff.
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The brief
Xbox is implementing layoffs that have reportedly gutted the coding team at Id Software and resulted in the loss of 60-70 developers from Obsidian. According to reports, Obsidian may lose a quarter of its staff.
Coverage from Video Games Chronicle, IGN, and GamesRadar+ emphasizes the scale of these cuts, with one laid-off RPG veteran describing the event as "Microsoft sacrificial rituals." GameDev.net reports that multiple Xbox game studio heads are currently negotiating with Xbox to prevent their studios from closing. Future developments depend on the outcome of negotiations between studio heads and Xbox to avoid further closures.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
How many developers were cut from Obsidian?
Reports indicate 60-70 developers were cut, which may represent a quarter of the studio's staff.
Which specific team at Id Software was affected?
The layoffs reportedly gutted Id Software's coding team.
Are other studios facing potential closure?
According to GameDev.net, multiple Xbox game studio heads are negotiating with the company to avoid closure.
Coverage (6)
- Fallout: New Vegas and Avowed dev hit hard in bloodiest week in Xbox history Polygon.com · 7h ago
- The Outer Worlds 2, Avowed Studio Hit by Layoffs, Affecting 25 Percent of Employees GamingBolt · 7h ago
- Report: Multiple Xbox game studio heads negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure GameDev.net · 7h ago
- Obsidian was also hit by "the Microsoft sacrificial rituals," says laid-off RPG veteran who previously worked on Dragon Age and Mass Effect GamesRadar+ · 7h ago
- Obsidian Reportedly Set to Lose a Quarter of Its Staff Amid Xbox Layoffs IGN · 7h ago
- Xbox layoffs reportedly gut Id Software’s coding team and cut 60-70 developers from Obsidian Video Games Chronicle · 7h ago
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