Industry Update: Xbox Layoffs, Rockstar Mod Restrictions, and Bungie's Pivot
Major industry developments include reports of further Xbox job cuts, new strict modding guidelines from Rockstar Games, and significant content updates for Bungie titles.
Xbox Facing Further Restructuring
Reports indicate that Microsoft is planning a new wave of layoffs within its Xbox division this week. The move is expected to result in hundreds of job losses.
The company is reportedly looking to consolidate several studios as part of this major restructuring effort.
Rockstar Games Tightens Modding Policies
Ahead of the eventual PC release of GTA 6, Rockstar Games has introduced new, stringent guidelines for the modding community.
These restrictions specifically target mods involving missions, maps, updated storylines, and the inclusion of third-party intellectual property.
Bungie and Blizzard Update Flagship Titles
Bungie has announced a strategy to regain player trust, which includes restoring vaulted content for Destiny 2 and implementing improvements for Marathon.
Meanwhile, details for Diablo 5 have emerged, featuring a narrative spanning the past, present, and future, alongside a 'terror forming' mechanic where biomes shift based on specific minions in charge.
Sources
- Xbox will reportedly ‘consolidate several studios’ in new major wave of layoffs (videogameschronicle.com)
- Weeks before GTA 6, Rockstar Games imposes new guidelines that restrict mods for missions, maps, updated storylines, and third-party IP (eurogamer.net)
- ‘We intend to earn back your trust’: Bungie announces plans to bring back Destiny 2 and improve Marathon (videogameschronicle.com)
- Diablo 5 tells "three stories" across the past, present, and future, and biomes will change shape depending on which of Diablo's minions is in charge (gamesradar.com)