Studio Update
18 storiesCoverage remains concrete by checking production pipeline, talent retention and office closure notice in the version to which each claim applies. For readers, publishing agreement and portfolio concentration clarify the likely benefits, constraints and commitment involved. Studio Update remains the main subject only when that question outweighs the neighbouring topics grouped under Studios, Publishers & Business.
Double Fine Regains Full Rights to Psychonauts and Brutal Legend After Xbox Split
Double Fine Productions has officially regained the intellectual property and publishing rights for all its games previously under Microsoft, following its separation from Xbox. The studio now controls its catalogue, including Psychonauts and Brutal Legend
Redfall's Final Patch Released After Arkane Austin Closure
Harvey Smith has revealed that Arkane Austin was allowed to deliver one last Redfall patch after the studio's closure, following negotiations with Microsoft, in an unusual move for a cancelled live-service project
Compulsion Games Now Publishing South of Midnight on Steam After Xbox Split
Compulsion Games has taken over publishing duties for South of Midnight on Steam, marking a clear separation from Xbox Game Studios following the recent restructuring and layoffs at Xbox
Netflix Closes Night School Studio Weeks After Unhinged Launch
Netflix has announced the closure of Night School Studio, the developer behind Oxenfree and Unhinged, just weeks after the release of its latest narrative horror title. The move is part of a wider restructuring of Netflix's gaming division
id Software lead warns Xbox layoffs risk undermining studio quality
id Software's Chris Hayes has criticised Microsoft's looming Xbox layoffs, warning that repeated staff cuts are eroding developer motivation and weakening studios across the platform
Blizzard Emerges as Xbox's Top Studio After Overwatch and Diablo 4 Success
Blizzard Entertainment has reportedly become the leading Xbox studio, with Overwatch and Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred driving its strongest financial results in years, even as Microsoft's wider gaming division faces major restructuring and layoffs
id Software Faces Uncertainty as Xbox Layoffs Reshape Studio
A lead developer at id Software has raised concerns about Xbox's approach to game development after significant layoffs, questioning whether the studio can maintain its creative standards and technical output with a reduced team
Bethesda Reveals New Logo for 40th Anniversary with Classic Inspiration
Bethesda has introduced a new logo to mark its 40th anniversary, drawing inspiration from its early days and classic titles. The studio's history with The Terminator games is referenced, but no new projects in that series are planned
Lightspeed LA Restructures Last Sentinel, Staff Impacted by Creative Shift
Lightspeed LA has announced a major change in the creative direction of Last Sentinel, resulting in staff layoffs and a renewed focus on meeting player expectations for the upcoming open-world action game
Follow Us Early Access update overhauls Level 2 as development pauses
Game Atelier has delivered a major Early Access update for Follow Us, reworking the second level and adding controller and Steam Deck support, but ongoing development is now on hold due to low sales
PlayStation Studios 2026: New Games, Delays and Studio Closures
Sony's PlayStation Studios have revealed new projects for PS5, including God of War Laufey and Marvel's Wolverine, but several teams face delays, cancellations and closures as the platform's first-party line-up shifts for the years ahead
Wreckreation 2 Announced by New Studio After Three Fields Closure
Wreckreation 2 has been officially announced for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, just months after the original's release and the closure of Three Fields Entertainment. The sequel is being developed by When Tides Turn, a new studio led by Fiona Sperry
Larian Barcelona studio celebrates as Spain wins 2026 World Cup final
Swen Vincke, head of Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity, has acknowledged Spain's World Cup victory, suggesting Larian's Barcelona team will be taking time off to join national celebrations after the final
Todd Howard says retirement is off the table as Bethesda plans ahead
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard has stated he is no longer considering retirement, emphasising his ongoing passion for developing games like Skyrim and future projects including The Elder Scrolls 6
Bethesda reveals Fallout 5 pre-production and Fallout 3 remasters
Bethesda has outlined its upcoming plans for the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production, remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are underway, and a major Fallout 76 expansion is coming
ZA/UM Announces Layoffs After Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Launch
ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, has confirmed layoffs affecting up to 32 staff members following the release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, citing commercial challenges despite critical praise
Xbox Restructuring Shifts Focus to Legacy Franchises Over New Ideas
Xbox has announced a major restructure, cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with several studios. The company is now prioritising established franchises like Halo and Fallout, raising questions about the future of original game development
Cliff Bleszinski Reflects on LawBreakers Failure and Considers Return
Cliff Bleszinski, known for Gears of War, has discussed his personal struggles and the impact on Boss Key Productions, revealing he is now sober and weighing a possible return to game development