The World’s Edge layoffs have removed nearly half of the Age of Empires studio’s staff as Microsoft moves the team under Activision. The cuts are part of a wider Xbox restructuring that eliminated 268 roles, according to GamesIndustry.biz and IGN.
World’s Edge layoffs leave Age of Empires plans unclear
Former World’s Edge creative director Adam Isgreen said he and roughly half of the studio had been laid off. Isgreen, who had spent 16 years at Microsoft, said the team had “some great plans for what’s next” and hoped the remaining staff could continue the work.
Andrew Martz, a former senior software engineer, said the studio’s next project had been cancelled during the reorganisation. The reports do not identify that project, and Microsoft has not publicly described what work will continue under Activision.
World’s Edge oversees the Age of Empires franchise, but the games have also relied on external development partners. Relic Entertainment led development of Age of Empires IV, which launched on PC in 2021 and later reached Xbox and PlayStation. That division of work means the studio cuts do not automatically cancel every project connected to the series, but they leave the franchise’s internal planning less clear.
What happens to Age of Empires under Activision?
Microsoft announced the move alongside a wider restructuring that places World’s Edge, Rare and the Halo franchise under Activision. Xbox said 268 positions had been eliminated across its studios, while other changes included the proposed closure of Ninja Theory and Undead Labs becoming an independent, employee-owned studio.
The shake-up follows Xbox’s earlier confirmation of 268 job cuts and the Activision reorganisation. It also adds to a run of Xbox studio changes covered in our report on the wider restructuring.
For players, the immediate effect is uncertainty rather than a confirmed change to existing games. The Viking Sagas expansion for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition launched this week, while the future of the cancelled project and any longer-term plans for the franchise remain unannounced. Age of Empires IV continues to be available on PC, Xbox and PlayStation, but the reports provide no new release date or roadmap for the series.
Does this cancel Age of Empires IV?
No. The reports do not say that Age of Empires IV has been cancelled. The immediate impact is uncertainty around World’s Edge’s future plans and a separate project reportedly being cancelled.
Why is World’s Edge moving under Activision?
Microsoft included World’s Edge in a wider Xbox restructuring that also moved Rare and the Halo franchise under Activision. The company has not given a detailed public explanation for each studio’s new reporting structure.
What happens to Age of Empires next?
Microsoft has not announced a new Age of Empires roadmap. Existing games continue to be available, but the reported staff reductions could affect the pace or shape of future projects.
