Xbox Game Studios canceled its next project from World's Edge, the team behind the Age of Empires franchise, as part of a broader restructuring under Activision. This move removes a potential new installment from the series and signals a shift in how Microsoft manages its legacy strategy game studios. Players and fans of the franchise should expect a pause in new development from the original creators while the studio's future direction remains unclear.
Studio restructuring and layoffs halt development on unconfirmed strategy title
World's Edge has long been the development home for the Age of Empires series, but its internal structure has changed significantly. Senior software engineer Andrew Martz confirmed that the reorganization of the team under Activision led directly to the cancellation of their next project. The studio is now navigating a period of uncertainty as its staff adjusts to new reporting lines and corporate priorities.
The cancellation coincides with a major reduction in workforce at Microsoft's gaming division. Approximately half of the World's Edge employees left the studio during recent layoffs. These cuts are part of Microsoft's plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs across its gaming operations. The loss of nearly half the team likely contributed to the decision to halt the new project.
While the canceled project was almost certainly a real-time strategy game, it is not yet confirmed to be a new Age of Empires installment. Adam Isgreen, the former World's Edge creative director, stated that the studio had great plans for the future before the restructuring took effect. The exact nature of the canceled game remains unverified, though the studio's specialization points to the genre.
Microsoft is currently shifting the management of Halo and Age of Empires to Activision as part of this restructuring. This administrative change affects how these franchises are developed and published in the near term. We have been tracking Age of Empires closely and covered the job cuts in our earlier reporting on Xbox Game Studios Cuts 268 Jobs. The studio's next steps will depend on how these new arrangements are implemented.
Source: IXBT
