Rare Studio Addresses Microsoft Layoffs

The layoffs at Microsoft have sent shockwaves through the gaming community.

Rare Studio Faces Impact Of Mass Microsoft Layoffs

Xbox developer Rare, known for Sea of Thieves, has spoken out about the recent mass layoffs at Microsoft, which resulted in significant project cancellations including Everwild. During a July update, production director Drew Stevens acknowledged the difficult situation, stating, "It would be strange to jump straight into our usual updates without acknowledging the news that we've ended development on Everwild here at Rare." Beyond the cancellation, Stevens assured fans that Sea of Thieves development remains on course. However, he emphasized the emotional toll these layoffs have had on the studio, highlighting that the impact is felt by all employees. Rare’s situation reflects a broader trend at Microsoft, which has recently laid off over 9,000 staff amid substantial investments in artificial intelligence projects, leaving many developers concerned about the future of their roles.

The recent layoffs at Microsoft reveal significant shifts in the gaming industry, raising questions about how large companies prioritize their resources. As Microsoft diverts considerable funds into AI, projects like Everwild suffer from abandonment. This situation is not merely about project cancellations; it affects employee morale and job security. Developers are left to grapple with uncertainty, and as Stevens pointed out, the ripple effects are hard to ignore. Rare's experience underscores a growing fear among employees in tech and gaming sectors: will their roles survive this shift to automation and AI-driven solutions?

Highlights

As the industry evolves, the future of gaming development remains uncertain.