Developers at The Coalition reportedly fear that Xbox layoffs after Gears of War: E-Day launches could leave them ineligible for a review-score bonus expected later in October, according to Eurogamer. Staff must still be full-time employees when the contracted payment is made, the outlet reports.
VGC also reports staff concerns about cuts and bonuses after launch.
Gears of War E-Day staff fear cuts before bonuses
The concern follows the departure of story director Juan Vaca, who said he was laid off shortly before release. Tbreak reported on Vaca’s departure last week. Eurogamer spoke to multiple anonymous Coalition employees, who said the latest Xbox cuts had unsettled staff.
The reported bonus depends on Gears of War: E-Day reaching an undisclosed Metacritic score. Studio leadership reportedly told staff that payment is expected near the end of October. Employees must still be full-time at payout, according to the terms described to Eurogamer.
Eurogamer understands staff already laid off, including Vaca, should still receive the bonus if the game meets its target. Whether current employees would qualify if laid off after launch but before payment remains unclear. The report does not confirm another round at The Coalition.
The Coalition’s next month is uncertain
Staff had expected cuts to come after release, but Vaca’s departure unsettled that expectation. Eurogamer says some now fear another round or a reorganisation under Activision; staff had previously considered the studio relatively secure ahead of a major Xbox release.
Xbox’s official listing confirms Gears of War: E-Day launches October 6, 2026. It is also set for PC and Steam; see Tbreak’s platform report.
Microsoft declined to comment when Eurogamer asked about the report. It does not establish that another round of Coalition layoffs is imminent or that any staff will lose a bonus.
Are more layoffs at The Coalition confirmed?
No. Eurogamer reports that employees fear further cuts, but it does not confirm a new Coalition-wide layoff round or say that one is planned. Microsoft declined to comment on the report.
Could employees who have already left still receive the Metacritic bonus?
Eurogamer understands that recently laid-off staff, including Juan Vaca, should receive the bonus if Gears of War: E-Day meets its score target. The report says the eligibility of employees laid off between launch and payout remains unclear.
