Microsoft's extensive restructuring continues, impacting a third of its workforce, likely affecting its gaming division.
In today’s news, significant developments are emerging from Microsoft’s ongoing restructuring process, which appears to be one of the bigger stories in the gaming industry landscape. As reported by Destructoid, Microsoft offers a “Voluntary Exit Offer” to 60,000 employees across the US, UK, Canada, and India. This move comes amidst substantial turnover at Xbox, as the company continues to undergo a strategic “reset” under new CEO Asha Sharma. The offer anticipates potential layoffs, giving employees a choice to either take a buyout now or face uncertainty later. This restructuring could have significant ramifications on Microsoft’s gaming arm, Xbox, potentially influencing future projects and operations.
Game Releases and Updates
Tekken 8 fans can look forward to new content as the game sets windows for the release of Roger Jr. According to GamesHub, owners of the Season 3 pass will have access to the character from November 11, with the rest of the players able to access him on November 16. This release will come along with a new gameplay trailer, keeping the momentum of Tekken 8’s updates ongoing.
In the realm of MMO gaming, GameSpot reports on “World of Warcraft: Forever,” which has seen a significant shakeup in its racial abilities just before launch. This last-minute change comes after feedback during the beta phase, with Blizzard making adjustments to ensure racial identity aligns with class roles, aiming for a balanced yet diverse play experience.
Game Development and Studios
Phantom Blade Zero, a Wuxia martial arts action RPG, has made a strong impression upon its release. As Destructoid notes, the game has been praised for its quality, reflected in an impressive Metacritic score of 88 for PS5 and 89 for PC. S-GAME Studio’s latest offering is being lauded as both a potential game of the year and an entry point into the Wuxia genre for new players.
Meanwhile, GamesHub draws attention to Valve’s unreleased project, Deadlock, which has reached a peak of 262,145 players despite remaining invite-only. This milestone sees it surpass popular titles like Team Fortress 2, indicating high player interest even without a confirmed release date.
Industry Rumblings
The leak of content related to the defunct Mass Effect 5 project continues to stir emotions. As GameSpot reports, acclaimed composer Austin Wintory revealed that his soundtrack for the game gives insight into what the shelved title might have sounded like, highlighting the ongoing impact of BioWare’s closure.
