Title: Layoffs at Microsoft Impact Development Team of Cancelled Game Odyssey
In a recent blow to the gaming industry, the development team behind Blizzard’s cancelled survival game, Odyssey, has reportedly been affected by the layoffs at Microsoft. Former team members have taken to Twitter to express their grief over losing their jobs and to inquire about new opportunities.
The layoffs are a part of Microsoft’s gaming division’s restructuring plan, which comes in the wake of their acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the departure of CEO Bobby Kotick. This move has not only raised concerns among the employees from Odyssey’s development team but also sent shockwaves throughout the entire industry.
The team working on Odyssey saw a significant expansion in 2022, but unfortunately, this positive outlook was short-lived. With the cancellation of the highly anticipated game, a substantial portion of the development team has now been let go, leading to an uncertain future for these talented individuals.
It is essential to note that the gaming industry has been facing a wave of mass layoffs recently. According to reports, over 4,000 layoffs were recorded in the first month of 2024, following a staggering 10,000 layoffs last year. Major players such as Activision Blizzard, Xbox, Riot Games, and Twitch have also been impacted by these layoffs, further exacerbating the industry-wide situation.
Surprisingly, even streaming giant Twitch, which paid over $1 billion to streamers last year, announced its lack of profitability after letting go of 500 employees. This revelation raises concerns about the financial stability and the future prospects of the gaming industry as a whole.
The exact impact of the recent layoffs on the talented team behind Odyssey remains unclear at this point. IGN has taken the initiative to reach out to Xbox for further details and clarifications on this matter. The fate of these team members, alongside many others in the industry, still hangs in the balance.
As an IGN freelance writer, the author shares a common passion for Sonic the Hedgehog and remains committed to covering significant developments in the gaming world.
