"The 'Circus' Will Begin in July": Journalist Warns of Massive Xbox Studio Closures

Tension is mounting in the gaming industry due to rumors of a massive Xbox restructuring. According to several sources, Microsoft is negotiating the future of a number of studios, and their management is trying to find funding for buyouts or new partners. Otherwise, some teams could be closed as early as July.

Insider NateTheHate stated that a "bloodbath" is expected. According to Kotaku, Compulsion Games is urgently trying to find funds, and journalist Jason Schreier reported that several studios are in a similar situation, and Xbox in July will be very different from Xbox in June. Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine are also at high risk of closure, and Insider Gaming adds Arkane.

French journalist Sylvain Trinelle went further and stated that Arkane's closure has allegedly already been decided.

I'm not a super insider from the US, but I can confirm this: the closure of Arkane Studio is not a "possibility" but a reality, much closer than you think. Remember the date: 07/01/26. That's when the circus will begin.

According to him, the situation will affect not only Xbox. He mentioned Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Quantic Dream, Dontnod, and even PlayStation Studios, adding that "this is just the beginning."