Xbox Layoffs Hit Age of Empires Studio World's Edge
Xbox's restructuring has led to layoffs at World's Edge, the Age of Empires studio, with a canceled project and a new reporting line under Activision.
Xbox announced a restructuring last Tuesday, and the effects are now being felt at World's Edge Studio, the team behind the Age of Empires series. Former creative director Adam Isgreen said on social media that just under half of the studio was laid off, including himself.
Former senior software engineer Andrew Martz added that the studio's next project was canceled as part of the reorganization. The layoffs mark a significant reduction for a studio that has been central to Microsoft's strategy for the long-running strategy franchise.
As part of the reset, World's Edge now reports to Activision alongside Rare, the developer of Sea of Thieves. The move places the Age of Empires team under the same publishing umbrella as other Xbox-owned studios.
The cuts at World's Edge follow earlier job reductions at id Software and other Microsoft teams this year. PC Gamer reported on the layoffs and the internal changes.
Quick answers
How many people were laid off at World's Edge?
Former creative director Adam Isgreen said just under half of the studio was laid off, including himself.
What happened to World's Edge's next project?
Former senior software engineer Andrew Martz said the studio's next project was canceled as part of the reorganization.
Who does World's Edge report to now?
World's Edge now reports to Activision alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.