In the previous few weeks, we’ve witnessed Microsoft taking drastic measures and shutting down Hello-Rush studio Tango Gameworks, Redfall creator Arakne, and the 2 different studios. The tech large believes that Xbox as a model wants “small video games” to garner its previous status and get forward of the competitors. With the shutting down of such main studios, we thought we’d see additional layoffs and reorganization of studios underneath Microsoft.
Nonetheless, in a stunning transfer, Xbox and Activision have introduced a brand new studio known as Elsewhere Leisure. Whereas the brand-new studio options business vets who’ve labored on profitable video games reminiscent of The Witcher and The Final of Us, many individuals in the neighborhood can’t imagine Microsoft is closing well-established studios to open new ones.
Activision’s New Studio For Developed Narrative-Based mostly AAA Video games
Activision has introduced a brand new inner studio, Elsewhere Leisure, which is able to create new narrative-based IPs and franchises. It’s the second Activision studio based mostly in Poland, after Infinity Ward Krakow. The brand new studio includes a group of builders who’ve labored on widespread video games reminiscent of The Witcher, The Final of Us, Cyberpunk, Tom Clancy’s The Division, Future, and Far Cry.
Xbox and Activision announce a brand new sport studio: Elsewhere Leisure, engaged on a brand new “narrative-based & genre-defining AAA franchise”.
Positioned in Warsaw, Poland, led by Naughty Canine, CD Projekt Crimson studio vets.https://t.co/7QwWpqncSm pic.twitter.com/MO8AlPC1GS
— Klobrille (@klobrille) May 16, 2024
As the announcement is brief, it’s unclear which staffers the studio has onboarded from these franchises, nor do we all know how they’re contributing to the studio’s upcoming undertaking. Nonetheless, it’s confirmed that Elsewhere Leisure could have full entry to Activision’s assets and can proceed to extend manufacturing and growth.
Nonetheless, Elsewhere Leisure’s opening announcement stands out in an business stricken by layoffs and shutdowns. Many in the neighborhood have taken to social media platforms to criticize Microsoft for its current questionable choices.
So, they really had cash to pay vets. Even once they already had issues with the same studio (The Initiative).
However no cash for individuals who made narrative and AAA video games like Dishonored, Prey and The Evil Inside. And the one japanese studio btw.
The “washing” appears to work
— JJorge 🐊💚 (@JJorge388) May 16, 2024
Many individuals are shocked that Microsoft shut down some of the most reputable studios it owned and opened a brand-new one.
In order that they closed studios simply to open a brand new one????
— Heartless Krook (@heartlesskrook) May 16, 2024
Others are skeptical about Elsewhere Leisure and really feel it is going to be one other state of affairs like The Invitive, with no video games being developed and builders leaving.
deja vu https://t.co/N521fdipgD
— UncleVicko (@UncleVicko) May 16, 2024
Elsewhere, Leisure’s opening might sound unusual given the context wherein we’ve seen some main studios shutting down. Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that every Microsoft subsidiary operates as a separate entity with completely different price range swimming pools. Activision has already established that Elsewhere has been working for fairly a while now.
When Will We See an Elsewhere Leisure Title?
Undoubtedly, with Microsoft’s backing and a longtime gaming platform, Elsewhere Leisure will have the ability to pump out genre-defining titles.
Though not named but, Activision spokespeople have revealed that Elsewhere Entainment is already engaged on a narrative-based AAA sport, and it’s a completely new franchise. The studio has been working in stealth mode up until now and is on the lookout for new expertise to affix its ranks. It’s evident that the studio’s first undertaking remains to be a great distance off, however the group hopes that it’s not one other cycle of countless microtransactions, NFTs, loot packing containers, and damaged releases.
