{"id":36901,"date":"2026-06-26T09:53:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=36901"},"modified":"2026-06-26T09:53:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:53:54","slug":"compulsion-games-allows-staff-to-seek-new-job-opportunities-amidst-potential-xbox-layoffs-report-indicates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=36901","title":{"rendered":"Compulsion Games Allows Staff to Seek New Job Opportunities Amidst Potential Xbox Layoffs, Report Indicates"},"content":{"rendered":"
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### Uncertain Future for Compulsion Games Amidst Xbox Layoff Reports<\/p>\n

As the calendar approaches July, significant changes loom over Xbox Game Studios, with reports indicating potential major layoffs and studio closures. Compulsion Games, the developer behind the highly anticipated title *South of Midnight*, finds itself in a precarious position, facing an uncertain future as the company\u2019s management has encouraged staff to seek new employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

In recent weeks, numerous developers from Compulsion Games have taken to LinkedIn to express their availability for new roles. Some of the notable posts include a heartfelt message from writer and narrative designer Bijan Stephen, who conveyed gratitude for his time at Compulsion while searching for his next opportunity. Other team members, including principal level designer Mike Sklavounos, principal game designer Cameron McGrory, technical animator Ines Bouakkaoui, and dialogue designer Sean Miller, have shared similar sentiments, highlighting the skills and experiences they have gained during their tenure.<\/p>\n

According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, this wave of job-seeking posts does not indicate that layoffs have already begun at Compulsion Games. Instead, he reported that the layoffs at Xbox are not expected to commence until early July. However, studio leadership has granted employees permission to explore other job prospects, anticipating that job losses will occur. This means that while no layoffs have been officially confirmed, the situation remains dire for many staff members.<\/p>\n

The reports suggest that Compulsion Games is one of several Microsoft-owned studios currently negotiating their future, with two main possibilities: a closure or a transition to independent operation, potentially with new backing. Other studios, such as Ninja Theory and Double Fine, have been indicated to be in similar precarious situations.<\/p>\n

As developments unfold, the situation appears to be on a knife-edge. Compulsion Games could either face complete shutdown or continue to operate with a reduced workforce, depending on the outcome of their negotiations and potential paths to independence.<\/p>\n

In light of these uncertainties, the gaming community extends solidarity and support to all developers at Compulsion Games and across Xbox, as they navigate a challenging period filled with questions about job security and the future of their projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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With the days ticking down until July, when Xbox are said to be fully pulling the trigger on mass upheaval<\/a> that could see studios closed and will almost certainly see jobs cut, bosses at one of the studios reported to have its future hanging in the balance have given some staff permission to openly seek new work. This, it’s claimed, is the reason a bunch of devs at South of Midnight<\/a> studio Compulsion Games have taken to LinkedIn ahead of any layoffs being confirmed to post that they’re on the market for other jobs.<\/p>\n

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