Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds and 'consolidate' game studios, RPS reports

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Rock Paper Shotgun reports that The Information (via VGC) says Microsoft-owned Xbox is set to lay off "hundreds" of staff and to "consolidate" several game studios in a second round of cuts this week. RPS notes The Information hinted at potential mergers or movement across Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard but provided no concrete plan for that consolidation. The article recalls that Xbox previously cut around 1,600 people and parted ways with several studios in July. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier told the 8-4 Play podcast on Sept. 18 that cuts at Blizzard are "coming and imminent," according to RPS.

• What happened: Rock Paper Shotgun reports that The Information (via VGC) says Xbox will lay off "hundreds" of staff and "consolidate" several game studios in a second round of cuts this week.
• Why it matters: The report follows an earlier round in July when Xbox reportedly laid off around 1,600 people and parted ways with a number of studios, as noted by RPS.
• Context: RPS says The Information hinted at possible mergers or internal movement involving Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard, but RPS also says there is no concrete indication yet of what the consolidation will look like.
• What next: According to RPS's reporting of The Information, the new cuts are expected this week, and RPS cites Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier saying on the 8-4 Play podcast (published Sept. 18) that cuts at Blizzard are "coming and imminent," though exact scope, studio identities, and detailed timing remain unconfirmed.