World's Edge loses half its staff after moving to Activision

Age of Empires developer World's Edge has been hit with layoffs affecting just under half of its workforce following the studio's move to Activision.

Former creative director Adam Isgreen, a 16-year Microsoft veteran, confirmed the cuts on social media. On LinkedIn, Isgreen wrote: "I am disappointed that this is the way the time with World's Edge and Age ends for myself and many of my talented teammates that were also impacted." He added: "We had some great plans for what's next, and I hope the team that remains can rise to the occasion down the line."

World's Edge was among several studios affected by Xbox's ongoing restructuring announced yesterday. Alongside the studio's transition to Activision, Xbox also moved Rare and the Halo franchise to the publisher. Activision president Rob Kostich said: "We're thrilled to welcome Halo, Rare, and World's Edge to Activision. It's an honour and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. These teams and their games have inspired fans around the world for decades."

The restructuring eliminated 268 positions across Halo Studios, other first-party developers, and Xbox Game Studios. Ninja Theory faces studio closure, while Undead Labs became an independent studio. Undead Labs noted that a significant number of its employees were also made redundant, describing them as "exceptionally talented developers who have poured years into the State of Decay franchise."