Game studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games, which are currently owned by Xbox, are reportedly in discussions with Microsoft management about buying back their companies. According to a report by Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, the developers are seeking to regain their independent status in an effort to avoid potential closure amid major internal changes within the corporation.
Earlier, Insider Gaming reported that Xbox was considering shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio currently working on South of Midnight. According to available information, employees at several Xbox-owned development teams have already been warned about the uncertain situation and have been allowed to explore other job opportunities, although the final status of the studios remains undecided.
The potential closures are said to be part of a broader restructuring effort within Xbox. Previously, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma warned employees in an internal memo about “difficult decisions” ahead and announced layoffs scheduled for July. It was also reported that Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, had stepped down from his position.
The crisis comes shortly after the successful Xbox Showcase event in June, where the company presented several upcoming console exclusives.
As previously reported, the VRS-ranked LAN tournament OldPlayer Tour Masters has been officially announced.
