From IGN · Cade Onder · · 1m 20s
Gears of War E-Day story director laid off before launch
Microsoft cuts 268 Xbox staff including key talent just days before the game's early access debut.
In brief
Microsoft cuts 268 Xbox staff including key talent just days before the game's early access debut. Major layoffs at Xbox are happening at the worst possible times for affected games, raising questions about Microsoft's plans for its franchises. Originally reported by IGN.
Story director laid off one week before launch
Juan Vaca, story director at The Coalition, was let go as part of Microsoft's 268-person Xbox layoff. He had celebrated the game going gold just days earlier.
“Vaca confirmed he was part of the latest round of Xbox layoffs after being with the company for four years.”
Microsoft's Xbox reset continues
The layoffs targeted 268 staff across multiple studios, with many being veteran or senior-level employees. The cuts are part of a broader Xbox brand reset.
Halo Studios director also cut after promotion
Josh Daniels, Halo Studios' cinematic director, was laid off just one day after receiving a promotion. Activision is now taking over Halo's future development.
Activision takes Halo development control
Activision will build a new team to develop the next mainline Halo game. The Coalition's Halo Studios will be gutted, with only a small team remaining to support existing games.
Gears of War's future remains unclear
Microsoft hasn't outlined plans for The Coalition after E-Day launches. The team was previously expected to return to Gears 5's unfinished storyline, but that's now uncertain.
The bottom line
Major layoffs at Xbox are happening at the worst possible times for affected games, raising questions about Microsoft's plans for its franchises.
