Blizzard’s Cancelled Survival Game ‘Odyssey’ Development Team Impacted by Microsoft Layoffs
In a shocking turn of events, the development team behind Blizzard’s highly anticipated survival game, codenamed Odyssey, has been hit hard by the recent wave of layoffs at Microsoft. Reports suggest that the team, which had been working tirelessly on the project for six years, is among the 1,900 employees affected by the mass layoffs at Microsoft’s gaming division.
The layoffs come in the wake of Microsoft’s massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the departure of CEO Bobby Kotick last year. It seems that the acquisition has not been without its consequences, as the cancellation of Odyssey and the subsequent layoffs have left many team members devastated.
Mike Ybarra, the former President of Blizzard Entertainment, had previously revealed that Odyssey’s development team had doubled in size in 2022, with plans for further expansion. However, those plans have now been shattered, and a significant portion of the team has been let go.
The exact number of employees impacted by the layoffs remains unclear, and IGN has reached out to Xbox for further clarification. It is a difficult time for those affected, as they not only have to cope with the loss of their jobs but also the disappointment of seeing their hard work on Odyssey go to waste.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages from former team members expressing their grief over the situation. Many are seeking new job opportunities and asking for leads on positions they previously held before the layoffs. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the harsh realities of the gaming industry, where job security can be fleeting.
Unfortunately, Activision Blizzard and Xbox are not alone in facing mass layoffs within the gaming industry. In just the first month of 2024, over 4,000 individuals have lost their jobs across various companies. Last year alone, the industry saw a staggering 10,000 layoffs. This trend is deeply concerning and highlights the challenges faced by employees in an industry that often experiences rapid shifts and changes.
Just three days ago, Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends, announced the layoff of 530 employees, which accounts for 11% of its global workforce. Prior to that, Twitch, the popular streaming platform, cut 500 jobs. CEO Dan Clancy later admitted that despite paying streamers over $1 billion in the previous year, the company is not profitable.
The gaming industry is undoubtedly a volatile one, where success can be fleeting and job security is far from guaranteed. The recent layoffs at Microsoft’s gaming division and other major companies serve as a stark reminder of this reality. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market demands, it is crucial for companies to prioritize the well-being and job security of their employees.
In the midst of these challenging times, it is important to recognize the individuals affected by these layoffs. They are not just numbers or statistics but talented professionals who poured their hearts and souls into their work. We can only hope that they find new opportunities and continue to contribute their skills and passion to the gaming industry.
Cristina Alexander, a freelance writer for IGN, understands the impact of these layoffs all too well. As a devoted fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, she knows the power of gaming and the dedication of those who bring these virtual worlds to life. You can follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15 to stay updated on her work and insights into the gaming industry.