GoKawiilWorld's Edge studio loses nearly half its staff as Microsoft folds it into Activision
Microsoft has cut close to half the staff at World's Edge, the studio behind the Age of Empires franchise, as part of a reorganization placing it under Activision. Former employees say the studio's next project was canceled during the transition. The cuts are part of 268 job losses across Xbox, contributing to Microsoft's planned 3,200 layoffs this financial year.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
World's Edge has functioned less as a traditional developer and more as a steward coordinating outside studios on Age of Empires remasters, expansions and ports, so heavy staff losses could limit its capacity to manage that pipeline. Microsoft has not said what becomes of the franchise's roadmap or the canceled project, leaving open whether Age of Empires keeps its current multi-title release cadence under Activision's management.
- World's Edge lost nearly half its staff amid a reorg placing it under Activision
- A next-generation project for the studio was reportedly canceled
- The cuts are part of 268 Xbox layoffs within Microsoft's broader 3,200 job-cut plan
Age of Empires IV (PC) — With World's Edge facing turmoil, there's no better time to revisit what made the franchise great by picking up Age of Empires IV. It delivers the classic real-time strategy experience the studio built its reputation on, letting you support the series while its future remains uncertain.
See Age of Empires IV (PC) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Skye Jacobs, 2026-09-27
Published there as: “Microsoft gutted the Age of Empires studio while folding it into Activision”
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