In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced the cancellation of two highly anticipated Xbox games, Perfect Dark and Everwild, as part of a broader restructuring within its Xbox division. The decision to cancel these projects comes amidst sweeping cuts that will see the closure of The Initiative, the studio behind Perfect Dark, and layoffs affecting approximately 9,000 employees.
According to a report by The Verge, Xbox Game Studios chief Matt Booty revealed the cancellations in an internal memo to Xbox employees. The move to cancel Perfect Dark, a reboot of the classic franchise, and Everwild, an ambitious new IP, has left many fans disappointed and concerned about the future of Xbox’s first-party lineup.
This news comes on the heels of another significant development in the gaming industry, as three former Ubisoft executives have been convicted of sexual and psychological harassment in France. Serge Hascoet, Tommy Francois, and Guillaume Patrux were found guilty of misconduct following a lengthy investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying at the game publisher.
The convictions of these high-profile executives underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the gaming industry in addressing issues of workplace culture and misconduct. The #MeToo movement has brought increased scrutiny to the treatment of employees within game development studios, leading to calls for greater accountability and transparency from industry leaders.
The decision by Microsoft to cancel Perfect Dark and Everwild, along with the convictions of the former Ubisoft executives, highlights the complex ethical and cultural issues that continue to shape the gaming landscape. As the industry grapples with questions of workplace conduct, diversity, and inclusion, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
As fans and industry observers react to these latest developments, it remains to be seen how Microsoft and Ubisoft will address the fallout from these controversies. The decisions made by these companies in the coming months will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of the gaming industry and its reputation among players and employees alike.
References:
– “Microsoft cancels its Perfect Dark and Everwild Xbox games” – The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/news/696877/xbox-perfect-dark-everwild-cancelled-the-initiative-layoffs]
– “Three former Ubisoft executives are convicted of sexual and psychological harassment” – The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/games/696996/ubisoft-me-too-former-executive-convictions]
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