Age of Empires studio World’s Edge reportedly lost “nearly half” of its staff during yesterday’s Xbox cuts and move to Activision
Following Microsoft’s Xbox restructuring, the Age of Empires studio World’s Edge has lost nearly half its workforce as part of a transition to Activision’s control. According to former creative director Adam Isgreen, a 16-year Microsoft veteran, “just under half” of all employees were laid off during the organisational changes.
Isgreen, who confirmed his departure through posts on ResetEra (under verified username Tempus Chaoti) and LinkedIn, expressed disappointment about the transition. He wrote that while the team had great plans for the future, he hoped “the team that remains can rise to the occasion down the line.”
The restructuring represents part of broader Xbox consolidation efforts announced yesterday. While the initial announcement did not specify staff impacts for World’s Edge, the studio’s move from Xbox’s direct control to Activision resulted in significant personnel losses, affecting numerous veteran developers at the studio responsible for the long-running Age of Empires franchise.
Other studio veterans acknowledged the impact on colleagues, with messaging emphasising that affected individuals “matter” amid the difficult transition.
Sources
- Age of Empires studio World’s Edge reportedly lost “nearly half” of its staff during yesterday’s Xbox cuts and move to Activision
- Age of Empires developer World’s Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
- Age of Empires studio World’s Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs