Phil Spencer somehow thinks that Xbox has 'never looked stronger' as multiple games are canceled

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Perfect Dark developer The Initiative has been shuttered

Phil Spencer at a stage show
(Image credit: Phil Spencer / Microsoft)
  • More layoffs are underway at Xbox
  • Perfect Dark developer The Initiative has been shuttered, on top of other game cancelations and cuts
  • Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said Xbox has "never looked stronger" in an email to staff

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer claimed that the Xbox "platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger" amid a studio closures, game cancelations, and widespread layoffs.

As reported by Bloomberg, Microsoft's gaming division has been hit by significant layoffs. This includes job cuts at mobile game maker King, ZeniMax, Rare, Halo Studios, and Turn 10 Studios.

The upcoming Rare game Everwild has seemingly been culled, as has an unannounced game from The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios. The planned Perfect Dark reboot has been canned too, with the studio behind it, The Initiative, shut down.

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In an email sent to staff, Spencer said that these decisions were intended "to position gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas" plus "increase agility and effectiveness" overall.

"I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before. Our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger. The success we're seeing currently is based on tough decisions we've made previously," he continued.

These "tough decisions" presumably include previous studio closures and layoffs, such as the shuttering Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Tango Gameworks last year.

"We must make choices now for continued success in future years and a key part of that strategy is the discipline to prioritize the strongest opportunities. We will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. This focused approach means we can deliver exceptional games and experiences for players for generations to come."

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Dashiell Wood
Dashiell Wood
Gaming Editor

Dash is an experienced tech journalist who specializes in video games, electronic entertainment products, and the wider industry that surrounds them. He currently serves as the Gaming Editor at TechRadar, leading our review, preview, feature, and news coverage of the latest and greatest releases.

Before joining the team, he was Contributing Writer at PLAY (formerly Official PlayStation Magazine UK) and has written articles for many of the UK's other biggest gaming magazines including the likes of Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX.

Now, when he's not getting his greasy little mitts on the newest hardware or gaming gadget, he can be found listening to J-pop or feverishly devouring the latest Nintendo Switch otome.

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