Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios Undergoing Restructuring, World's Edge Team Affected

Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios division is undergoing a broad restructuring, with the latest reports indicating that the 'Age of Empires' developer, World's Edge, has been significantly affected. Multiple employees have confirmed layoffs, and a previously unannounced project has reportedly been canceled.

Sources indicate that "slightly less than half" of the World's Edge staff were laid off. Adam Isgreen, a former studio lead, confirmed on LinkedIn that his 16-year career with Microsoft has ended, alluding to planned next steps for the team that are now apparently canceled. The specific nature of the canceled project remains undisclosed, and it is unclear if it was a new entry in the 'Age of Empires' series.

World's Edge has historically managed and developed titles within the 'Age of Empires' franchise, collaborating with other studios on releases such as 'Age of Empires 4'. One former employee detailed being laid off in May 2023, rehired in February 2024, only to be let go again as part of the current restructuring.

Adding to the changes, World's Edge has reportedly been reassigned under Activision as part of this process. This move and the associated staff reductions are part of a wider adjustment within Xbox's operations. Microsoft had previously stated that it had completed about three-quarters of its planned Xbox workforce reductions, suggesting further changes may still occur.

The full extent of these organizational shifts and their impact on future game development pipelines for Microsoft remain to be seen as the company continues its restructuring efforts.