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