CWA slams Microsoft over 'extremely disappointing' layoffs

Plus, Embracer confirms 4A Games and Zen Studios are going nowhere, Patch Notes #3: The game industry is becoming an innovation wasteland, and more - [Game Developer Daily](?sp_aid=125694&elq_cid=22018255&sp_eh=558b5bca28770e5056e8cfadd2bf9a5dda06ed0e24183b37db416422421c3bbf&utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Gama_NL_Game%20Developer%20Daily_09.13.24&sp_cid=55061&utm_content=Gama_NL_Game%20Developer%20Daily_09.13.24&sp_eh=558b5bca28770e5056e8cfadd2bf9a5dda06ed0e24183b37db416422421c3bbf&elqTrackId=5eedb105347e4d9a9d423bd85314b962&elq=7d0dd839ad064bb8afa77dad1c27b092&elqaid=125694&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=55061&elqak=8AF53A8D100A3726AD7704CCAADBD57B66B4C68D68FC673B6096622D26D845C55699) September 13, 2024 — JUMP TO — [From Our Sponsors](#sponsors) | [Featured Blogs](#blogs) | [Top Job Postings](#job) | [Resource Center](#resources) [TOP STORIES] [GDC 2024 Dial Up the Diegetics: The Animal Kingdom]( This article discusses the world-building utility of animal vocalizations (both real and fictional) when used as sound sources for musical composition. Article ... [CWA slams Microsoft over 'extremely disappointing' layoffs]( The union, which threw its weight behind Microsoft's merger with Activision Blizzard, has underlined the 'devastating' impact of layoffs. [Embracer confirms 4A Games and Zen Studios are going nowhere]( The company has concluded the financial portion of its Saber Interactive divestment, but buyer Beacon Interactive has waived the option to purchase 4A Games and... [Update: Microsoft confirms it's laying off 650 game workers]( It seems the cuts will largely impact staff providing 'corporate and supporting functions.' [Patch Notes #3: The game industry is becoming an innovation wasteland]( Astro Bot acclaim, PlayStation 5 Pro disdain, and more jobs down the drain. [More Stories »]( [FROM OUR SPONSORS] [Lemon Sky Studios: Bridging Tech and Art in Game Dev]( How Lemon Sky Studios continues to push the envelope, taking on the challenge of creating art for new and innovative platforms like VR/AR and the latest Vision Pro. [FIND OUT MORE]( [FEATURED BLOGS] [GDC 2024 Dial Up the Diegetics: The Animal Kingdom]( This article discusses the world-building utility of animal vocalizations (both real and fictional) when used as sound sources for musical composition. Article ... [PlayStation 5 Pro tests most fervent fans' loyalty]( PS5 Pro's premium price point is not unexpected, but it is unprecedented. [5 things to learn from AAA studios]( This article covers five key aspects—production, community, development, storytelling, and updates—valuable for both indie and AAA game developers. [Power progression in games: Crafting rewarding player experiences]( Within this article I will be exploring power progression, how it is a fundamental element of game design, and why it taps into the human desire for growth and ... [Balancing creativity and deadlines in game development]( The article offers a framework for managers to balance creativity and deadlines, ensuring the timely delivery of a great game. [More Blogs »]( [JOB LISTINGS FOR TODAY] Keywords Studios: [Game Programmer - Global]( University of California Los Angeles: United States [Open-Rank Professor of Games (Tenure-Track/Tenured)]( [RESOURCES] [Update: Microsoft confirms it's laying off 650 game workers]( It seems the cuts will largely impact staff providing 'corporate and supporting functions.' [All of Annapurna Interactive has resigned]( In a stunning turn of events appropriate for Hollywood, all workers and executives at Annapurna Interactive have resigned from the company. [Odyssey Interactive's transparent prototype process aims to prevent an Omega Strikers repeat]( After shutting down its debut title Omega Strikers months after launch, Odyssey wants feedback of its projects while they're just prototypes. [Flappy Bird is taking flight once more in 2025]( Still free, still flapping. [Deep Dive: Refreshing the Crusader Kings III tutorial mode through optimized UX]( Telemetry data indicated the game's tutorial has a significant impact on retention rates. Here's how UX played a role in improving it. [PlayStation 5 Pro tests most fervent fans' loyalty]( PS5 Pro's premium price point is not unexpected, but it is unprecedented. [Unity CEO Matt Bromberg says Runtime Fee reversal is part of bid to become 'a fundamentally different company']( Bromberg told Game Developer that Unity's Runtime Fee reversal is part of a bid to bring the company "back to where it began." 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