
As an onlooker, I’ve learned that Andres claims Virtuos is delving deeper into the realm of generative AI, making it compulsory for their workforce to undergo training in this area. He also suggests that Virtuos signed a “royalty-free” contract for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, implying they aren’t entitled to any royalties based on the game’s sales or milestones.
Unfortunately, this information coincides with a continuous wave of layoffs sweeping through the gaming industry. For instance, Electronic Arts let go of hundreds of employees, closed Cliffhanger Games, and shelved a Black Panther game in development. Respawn Entertainment teams were also affected.
Sony Interactive Entertainment recently downsized about one-third of Bend Studio’s workforce, following the cancellation of a new live service game from them in January.
Microsoft has reportedly trimmed its gaming workforce at an unspecified scale earlier this July, resulting in the closure of The Initiative, the studio responsible for the Perfect Dark reboot, and the cancelation of several projects, including a new MMORPG from ZeniMax Online Studios.