Splash damage also got hit with layoffs and cancelled the Transformers game, they also worked on Halo MCC/Gears 5/Gears tactics before.

Dirty Bomb was cancelled, Outcasters with Stadia was of course cancelled, and now their Transformers game is cancelled. Things aren't looking good for Splash Damage. Only thing they openly have in development is Project Astrid with Twitch streamer Shroud. One of several studios I thought would make sense of Xbox acquiring them as they were such great support studio, and did a great job with Gears Tactics.

Changed my mind. Developer Direct Predictions

• The Outer Worlds 2
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster
• Doom: The Dark Ages
• South of Midnight
• 3rd Party Title or Double Fine Title

No point deep diving into Avowed this close to launch.

Performance based layoffs incoming

Microsoft is reportedly cutting less than 1 percent of its 228,000 employees. While The Information reports that these cuts are “company-wide performance based layoffs,” I understand it’s a little more complicated. There are layoffs, but Microsoft is also making it easier for managers to take action against employees who are failing performance reviews, as Business Insider reports. Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw says:

At Microsoft we focus on high performance talent. We are always working on helping people learn and grow. When people are not performing, we take the appropriate action.

Microsoft is planning job cuts and focusing more on underperforming employees

Microsoft says it's combining "the best of Xbox and Windows together" for handheld gaming PCs. Xbox VP of Next Gen Jason Ronald says Microsoft will put Xbox at the center "not the Windows desktop that you have today." Full details below 👇 www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/243...

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— Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 8 January 2025 at 02:44

in February 2024 I said the ideal Xbox handheld would be a combination of Xbox and Windows where the Windows desktop fades to the background. Microsoft has now confirmed that's exactly what it's doing for Windows handheld gaming PCs. Details here: www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/243...

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— Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 8 January 2025 at 13:18

Little different than I was expecting. Oblivion remake has to be that unknown!

Wait, no. Sounds like a brand new game, "visit a surprise location to see another studio’s brand new game"

I removed Avowed because it's too close to launch. Kind of expected The Outer Worlds 2 but I guess they're focusing on 1st half titles and that is likely a September+ title. Never expected Fable because it needs its own Developer Direct. South of Midnight and Doom were obvious, looking forward to seeing more about those. Expedition 33, I predicted a 3rd party, but I forgot about that one, I was thinking something like Mafia or Atomfall, Expedition 33 looks more interesting than both of those to me so I'm happy with that being the 3rd party.

Personally, I still wonder if they'll be a 5th title, I think every Developer Direct so far has had 5 titles and I know there's a ? slot there already but they've never teased the secret game like that before, why not just list the 3 and keep the ? as a full secret (no tease at all) if that is the only secret title? Idk. I'm kind of 50/50 now but I wouldn't be surprised if there ends up being two secret titles.

Shinobi straight up said that Oblivion won't be there. Guessing a June showcase reveal and 2nd half release then. So I'd also guess that the new title is Double Fine's next release. "Visit a surprise location to see another studio’s brand new game." Though I don't know for certain because the "surprise location" is throwing me a little, Lol.

• Avowed - Feb
• South of Midnight - April
• Doom - May

My predictions, along with all the Game Pass goodness, a strong first half. As for the 2nd half, Microsoft is probably shit scared of GTA and not going to give us any dates until GTA gets dated, Lol. Also this unannounced title just means yet another 1st party release in 2025 aside from the HEAVILY rumoured Oblivion Remaster so it's looking something like this so far...

• Avowed
• South of Midnight
• Doom: The Dark Ages
• Towerborne
• Fable
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster
• Secret Title (Probably Double Fine)
• The Outer Worlds 2
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - 2

Only location that I would consider surprising for Xbox would be Japan lol. They teaming back up with Mistwalker now that they’ve just got their port out? 👀