World's Edge, the development studio behind the beloved Age of Empires franchise, has been forced to downsize its workforce after being transferred to Activision as part of a broader corporate reshuffle. According to reports, just under half of the studio’s staff were affected by the layoffs, marking a significant contraction for a team that has long been praised for its dedication to real‑time strategy gaming. The news first emerged on the gaming news site Eurogamer, which cited a post made by former Creative Director Adam Isgreen on the community platform Reset Era.
Using the verified handle "Tempus Chaoti," Isgreen disclosed that he, along with roughly fifty percent of his colleagues at World's Edge, were being let go. Isgreen, who spent sixteen years at Microsoft before moving to the Age of Empires project, also shared a personal statement on LinkedIn that expressed his disappointment with the way his tenure at the studio was ending. In his LinkedIn update, Isgreen wrote, "I am deeply disappointed that this is how my time with World's Edge and the Age of Empires series concludes, alongside many of my incredibly talented teammates who were also impacted." He went on to reflect on the team's aspirations, saying, "We had some great plans for what's next, and I hope the team that remains can rise to the occasion down the line." His remarks capture both the sorrow of the immediate situation and a hopeful outlook for the remaining staff. World's Edge is not the only studio caught up in Xbox’s ongoing restructuring effort.
In a recent corporate briefing, Xbox announced a series of strategic moves that included transferring several first‑party studios to Activision. Among those were the legendary Rare, the Halo development team, and, of course, World's Edge. Activision’s president, Rob Kostich, welcomed the acquisitions, stating, "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 plan, which was unveiled in an update yesterday, resulted in the elimination of 268 positions across Halo Studios, other first‑party developers, and the broader Xbox Game Studios umbrella.
The cuts were part of a larger effort to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and align the various development groups under a unified strategic vision. In addition to World’s Edge, other notable changes were announced. Ninja Theory, known for titles such as *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice*, is slated for closure.
Conversely, Undead Labs, the studio behind the *State of Decay* series, will spin out as an independent entity. However, even Undead Labs reported that a substantial number of its employees were made redundant during the transition, underscoring the widespread impact of the restructuring. The statement from Undead Labs highlighted the contributions of its staff: "They are exceptionally talented developers who have poured years into the State of Decay franchise: solving hard problems, looking after one another, and helping shape both this game and this studio." This acknowledgment reflects a common theme across the affected studios—a deep respect for the creative talent that has driven these beloved franchises forward.
For the remaining members of World's Edge, the future presents both challenges and opportunities. The studio now operates under Activision’s umbrella, which may provide access to greater resources, broader distribution channels, and cross‑franchise collaborations. Yet, the loss of nearly half the workforce means that many ongoing projects will need to be re‑evaluated, timelines may shift, and the remaining team will have to shoulder additional responsibilities. Industry analysts suggest that the move could ultimately benefit the Age of Empires series if Activision leverages its extensive marketing reach and development infrastructure.
The franchise has a dedicated fan base and a strong legacy, and with proper support, it could see new expansions, remasters, or even entirely new entries that push the boundaries of the genre. However, the human cost of such corporate maneuvers cannot be overlooked. Layoffs of this magnitude affect not only the individuals directly dismissed but also their families, the studio culture, and the creative momentum that fuels innovative game design.
The sentiment expressed by Isgreen and his colleagues reflects a broader concern within the gaming community about the stability of development teams and the sustainability of long‑term projects. In summary, World's Edge’s layoff wave is a direct consequence of Xbox’s strategic realignment and the subsequent transfer of several studios to Activision. While the immediate impact is painful for many seasoned developers, the restructuring also opens the door for potential growth under a new corporate parent. The hope expressed by the displaced staff—that the remaining team can rise to meet future challenges—captures a resilient spirit that has defined the Age of Empires community for decades.
As the industry watches how Activision integrates these studios, the ultimate test will be whether the beloved franchises continue to thrive and evolve, honoring the hard work of both the departing and staying talent.