Microsoft is closing down Xbox studio The Initiative, with Perfect Dark killed as well — joining Everwild and ZeniMax’s IP, and other unannounced projects

As an analyst, I’m reporting that Microsoft has announced a significant round of layoffs impacting approximately 4% of its global workforce across all divisions. Regrettably, the Xbox division appears to be bearing a substantial brunt of these cuts, with employees from various departments receiving termination notices today. Among those affected is the Xbox studio The Initiative, which unfortunately is being shut down.

Xbox is cancelling Rare’s ‘Everwild’ as part of broader cuts — and possibly even more

Although there’s been much speculation about potential cuts in Microsoft’s hardware division, it appears that the upcoming Xbox hardware line, including a possible successor to the Xbox Series X with potential Steam compatibility, has remained largely untouched by these changes. This recent round of layoffs doesn’t seem to have affected their next-gen Xbox hardware plans.

Microsoft continues Xbox layoffs — jobs cut at King and ZeniMax Media

According to reports from Windows Central, there have been reductions in ZeniMax Media’s marketing staff in both London, UK and Rockville, MD, USA. However, the extent of these cuts is currently unknown. Additionally, it’s expected that layoffs may occur within certain U.S. teams associated with Xbox, with further information to be revealed soon.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Soulslike RPG that’s coming to Xbox Game Pass — after playing it, I still have these concerns

I spent approximately an hour playing Wuchang: Fallen Feathers in Los Angeles, tackling some of its bosses and delving into the game’s imaginative interpretation of Ming dynasty China. In essence, it offers a unique gaming adventure, albeit one that is notably challenging, as even minor errors can lead to harsh penalties during certain battles.

Initially unveiled at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has been characterized by its creators as a game in the “Soulslike” genre, drawing significant influence from FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series and this year’s critically acclaimed title, Elden Ring.

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