Microsoft gutted the Age of Empires studio while folding it into Activision
Microsoft has laid off nearly half of the staff at World's Edge, the studio responsible for the Age of Empires franchise, as part of a broader reorganization. The cuts coincide with the studio being placed under the Activision umbrella and the cancellation of its next major project. Former employees have expressed disappointment over the sudden changes, leaving the future direction of the Age of Empires series uncertain.
- ▪World's Edge lost nearly half its staff in the latest round of Xbox layoffs, which are part of 268 total job cuts in the division.
- ▪The studio's next project was canceled during the transition period as it was reorganized to operate under Activision.
- ▪Former creative director Adam Isgreen noted that many longtime employees were affected by the layoffs, ending their tenure with the studio.
- ▪World's Edge has traditionally overseen the Age of Empires brand by working with outside developers rather than handling all development in-house.
- ▪The layoffs contribute to Microsoft's projected target of 3,200 job losses during the current financial year.
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| Original publisher | TechSpot |
| Canonical URL | https://www.techspot.com/news/114001-age-empires-studio-loses-nearly-half-staff-has.html |
| Publication time | Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:31 -0500 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-27T19:46:40.048Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-27T19:46:40.048Z |
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Microsoft Gaming layoffs age of empires Microsoft gutted the Age of Empires studio while folding it into Activision Former employees say the studio's next project was canceled during the transition By Skye Jacobs September 27, 2026, 12:31 Add TechSpot Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What we know so far: World's Edge, the Microsoft studio that oversees the Age of Empires franchise, has lost nearly half its staff in the latest round of Xbox layoffs. The cuts coincided with Microsoft's decision to place the studio under Activision. Former employees also said the studio's next project was canceled during the transition.
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