Exploring the Unusual Role of the Intern in Animal Hospital Lore

Merry Monday, readers. Edwin’s been struck down by a post-TennoCon lurgy, and we were only too happy to allow him some rest, provided he file his Soulframe and Warframe: Tau stories before collapsing into a feverish heap. We even agreed to feed the Maw in his absence, albeit without reaching a similar accord on responsibility for the litter tray.

Thus: new PC games this week. Here are some of them.

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If you’re a fan of gruff blokes punching goons and putting the pedal to the metal in muscle cars, Samson looks like it’ll be up your alley. It’s the debut game of Liquid Swords, the Swedish studio founded by former Just Cause and Mad Max developer Christofer Sundberg, and mirrors the gritty open-world destructive mayhem both of those are known for.

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**Title: Xbox Cuts External Contracts as Part of Cost-Cutting Strategy Ahead of Job Reductions**

In a notable step towards decreasing expenses, Xbox has started to terminate contracts with external suppliers in anticipation of a wave of expected job reductions among its internal workforce. As Xbox nears the conclusion of its fiscal year on June 30, numerous contractors have reported the end of their engagements, coinciding with the company’s larger restructuring initiatives.

Several contractors, some of whom played key roles in Xbox’s significant summer presentation in June, have been notified that their services will no longer be needed in the forthcoming fiscal budget. This transition indicates a tightening of resources as Xbox prepares for major internal changes, including possible layoffs impacting full-time staff.

Recent information suggests that staff layoffs are on the horizon, especially at studios like Compulsion Games, which has encountered difficulties that may result in its sale or acquisition. Similar fears are mirrored in other first-party studios, such as Double Fine and Ninja Theory, which are also managing negotiations to maintain their viability within the Xbox framework.

Rumors regarding additional changes within Xbox involve the status of Undead Labs, recognized for the *State of Decay* franchise. Although these claims remain unverified, speculation indicates that the studio may face jeopardy, driving them to amplify marketing efforts for *State of Decay 3* to entice potential investors.

Moreover, Xbox’s primary public relations firm, Assembly, has recently experienced its own set of layoffs. While these personnel adjustments included at least one individual connected to the Xbox account, they were part of a larger reorganization within the agency and not directly linked to Xbox’s reductions.

As the scenario progresses, employees at major gaming firms such as Activision Blizzard and Zenimax are left in limbo regarding their prospects, adding to a prevailing sense of unease among those in the sector. Xbox’s unionized workforce is reportedly gearing up for discussions in anticipation of the forthcoming layoffs, which could further complicate the situation for both staff and contractors.

While formal statements concerning layoffs and restructuring at Xbox are expected, many contractors, who previously experienced consistent engagements, now confront an uncertain future as their contracts are concluded. The ongoing transformations within Xbox indicate a challenging period ahead as the company navigates its operational restructuring to align with its financial objectives.