Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds in Gaming Division — Including Rare and ZeniMax Projects
Oof, tough news in the gaming world today. Microsoft just laid off hundreds across its gaming division, including teams at King (Stockholm), ZeniMax, and Rare. Word is that about 10% of King’s employees are gone—around 200 people—and similar cuts are hitting other studios in Europe.
What really hurts is that they also canceled some major projects, including Everwild (from Rare) and a new online game that ZeniMax Online had been working on for years. Both had real potential, and it sucks to see that work disappear overnight.
I get that this is probably part of Microsoft's larger cost-cutting strategy (especially after the Activision deal), but it still stings. These aren’t just numbers—these are creative teams who poured years into building something that will never see the light of day.
If you’re affected by this, I’m genuinely sorry. The games industry feels so unstable right now, even at companies with money to burn. Stay strong, and I hope better opportunities come your way soon.
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