Episode 736: Live On YouTube

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Yes, we recorded this episode live on YouTube. We spoke about Minecraft dropping VR support next year, Ubisoft Montpellier disbanded, Obsidian saying choices both big and small will matter in Avowed, ColdRidge – a game about cowboys doing 4x-style exploration — hits release, and Yakuza Kiwami has sold far over studio director’s expectations on Switch.

The news includes:

  • Metaphor: ReFantazio director Katsura Hashino is already working on a new game
  • Sony wanted to lock Crimson Desert into a timed PlayStation exclusivity deal

Let us know if you watched the video!

The post Episode 736: Live On YouTube first appeared on Gaming Podcast.

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Ensemble Studios, owned and operated by Microsoft or, Microsoft Games Studios, has been targed to be dissolved. All employees will find new homes, a large quantity will start a new studio and continue maintaining the later released Halo Wars franchise.

Microsoft has chosen to close the studio as part of their growth plan of Microsoft Games Studios much like FASA was closed in the past. The difference, there is a new landing point for Halo Wars unlike the uncertain future of Shadowrun.

Commenting on the reason for the closure, Microsoft said, “This was a fiscally rooted decision that keeps MGS on its growth path. While the decision to dissolve Ensemble was not an easy one, Microsoft is working to place as many Ensemble employees who do not move to the newly formed studio into open positions within Microsoft as possible.” (gamespot)

Ensemble Studio’s folks will continue to work with Microsoft and will continue to support Halo Wars after its launch. It is important to stress their statement of continuing to support Halo Wars, there is no need to think the project will be done half-assed or without pride as the project will live on with a different studio name.

The only question is… what is causing Microsoft to close down studios with actively working real franchise projects? FASA went down, Bungie was let go on their own and now Ensemble Studios? There has to be something going on here… idea?