🔍 Summary:
Microsoft has recently implemented significant cutbacks within its Xbox division, part of a broader strategy to redirect funds towards an $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure. These layoffs affected 9,000 employees, including many from Xbox, leading to the cancellation of several gaming projects. High-profile cancellations include “Perfect Dark” by The Initiative, “Everwild” by Rare, and a new MMORPG from ZeniMax Online Studios, despite its initial support from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer.
Additionally, numerous second-party projects, which are developed by external teams but funded and published by Xbox, have also been terminated. This includes a shooter from Romero Games, which resulted in the closure of the studio. Amidst these widespread cancellations, there was concern about the fate of “OD,” a mysterious horror game announced by Hideo Kojima. However, sources confirm that “OD” has not been affected by these cutbacks and is still in development.
The article also touches on other Xbox projects whose futures are uncertain, like “Contraband” from Avalanche Studios, which has been missing in action for years and recently had its trailer removed from Xbox’s YouTube channel.
These drastic measures reflect Microsoft’s shifting priorities towards new technologies, possibly at the expense of its gaming division, as evidenced by the significant number of project cancellations and layoffs. The impact of these decisions is expected to resonate within the gaming community and among the teams involved for a considerable time.
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