Digital Tech Explorer continues to monitor how major technology shifts affect game development teams. The latest stage of Xbox’s “reset” reached World’s Edge Studio with particular force. Although the developer behind the Age of Empires series was only briefly mentioned in Xbox CCO Matt Booty’s layoff announcement, former employees say the studio lost just under half of its staff and canceled its next project.
Former Employees Describe the Layoffs and Project Cancellation
“What a morning,” said former World’s Edge creative director Adam Isgreen, posting under the verified account name Tempus Chaoti. “FYI World’s Edge was not spared completely—just under half the studio was let go—myself included. Been fun, y’all!” The development adds to the uncertainty at the studio, which is now reported to be operating under Activision alongside Rare, the developer of Sea of Thieves.
Andrew Martz, former senior software engineer at World’s Edge, posted on LinkedIn that “as part of that reorg, our next project was canceled and a large chunk of our studio was laid off. I was part of that layoff.”
Isgreen also reflected on his time working on the RTS series: “I didn’t think I’d be working on RTS games again years after their first ‘heyday,’ but am I ever proud of what our studio team and partners were able to do with the series and juice the genre’s return. I think the fans would agree (mostly!) that we delivered the goods for all of ‘em.”
Why the World’s Edge Cuts Are Especially Baffling
While layoffs are always devastating, this round is striking because of how quickly it reshapes a studio tied to a beloved franchise. Microsoft’s broader corporate controversies aside, the move appears to show limited regard for gaming’s history. The situation echoes earlier concerns about the treatment of teams such as id Software and other groups affected by restructuring earlier this year.