Guess what? This episode failed to load properly. So here it is, re-uploaded and backdated.
The news:
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This episode continues to have some audio issues thanks to Jonah leaving his expensive headset back in Los Angeles, forcing him to use his iPad once again as a mic. However, this week’s episode is chock full of game goodness.
This week’s episode includes the following news items:
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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?
This weekend was rough and, as a result, this gaming podcast has an epic number of bloopers. A death in the family had us running all over the place and heading to family events. However, we pushed through and put out an episode which includes some history on Altered Beast and a look back at Eugene Jarvis.
This weeks news includes:
Micheal Pachter Gives E3 Highlight PredictionsThis weeks Question of the Week is a trivia question from Don dealing with these nanites and such… you’ll have to listen to get the context!
