Microsoft Cancels In-Development Blizzard Game ‘Odyssey’ and Lays Off Team
In a shocking turn of events, Microsoft has made the decision to cancel the highly anticipated survival game, codenamed “Odyssey,” developed by Blizzard. This move comes as part of a larger wave of layoffs that have affected nearly 2,000 employees across Microsoft’s gaming division, including staff at Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and Xbox. The cancellation of “Odyssey” has left many fans disappointed and has had a significant impact on the team working tirelessly on the game.
Blizzard spokesperson Andrew Reynolds explained that the decision to end the development of “Odyssey” was made in order to shift the company’s focus towards projects that hold greater potential for future growth. While it was initially reported that most of the team working on the game had been laid off, Reynolds clarified that some members would be reassigned to other projects. However, this news did little to console those who had dedicated years of their lives to bringing “Odyssey” to life.
The origins of “Odyssey” can be traced back to 2017 when Blizzard veteran Craig Amai pitched the idea. The company saw great potential in the project and assembled a team of over 100 individuals to work on it. However, details about the game remained scarce until January 2022 when Blizzard officially announced its existence through a blog post. The announcement stated that “Odyssey” would take place in a completely new universe and immediately sparked excitement among gamers.
One of the major challenges faced by the development team was finding the right game engine for “Odyssey.” Initially prototyped in Unreal Engine, Blizzard executives ultimately decided to switch to Synapse, an internal engine developed by the company for mobile games. This decision caused significant setbacks as artists continued working in Unreal, resulting in wasted assets and time. Despite these obstacles, the team had set their sights on a 2026 release date.
Unfortunately, the Synapse engine was not ready for production, leading to the cancellation of “Odyssey” and the subsequent layoffs. Reynolds acknowledged the difficulty of making such decisions but emphasized that experimentation and risk-taking are integral to Blizzard’s creative process. He expressed gratitude towards the talented individuals who had supported the project, highlighting that ideas from “Odyssey” may find their way into other games or even become standalone projects in the future.
The cancellation of “Odyssey” and the recent layoffs at Microsoft’s gaming division come on the heels of the company’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This acquisition was completed just three months ago, and it seems that Microsoft is already making significant changes within the organization. Last year, Microsoft also made headlines for cutting 10,000 jobs, affecting studios such as 343 Industries, Bethesda Game Studios, and The Coalition. The gaming industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, and unfortunately, 2024 has started off on a grim note with more developers losing their jobs.
The impact of Microsoft’s decision to cancel “Odyssey” will undoubtedly be felt by both the team members who poured their hearts into the project and the eager fans who were eagerly awaiting its release. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of game development and the risks involved in bringing new ideas to life. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to support and recognize the immense talent and dedication of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create unforgettable gaming experiences.
