Microsoft has announced a major restructuring of its gaming division, which includes layoffs and the closure of several studios. In January the company dismissed 1,900 employees, many of whom are from the recently acquired Activision Blizzard. Additionally, Microsoft has closed three game developer studios and merged another within its Bethesda division. However, Microsoft also announced that Activision has opened a new studio in Poland.
Activision Blizzard Launches Elsewhere Entertainment in Warsaw
Amid these changes, Activision Blizzard has unveiled a new game development studio named Elsewhere Entertainment, located in Warsaw, Poland. The studio is focused on developing a “new narrative-based and genre-defining AAA franchise,” according to an official press release. Described as a “premier and standalone studio,” Elsewhere Entertainment aims to create a franchise with a lasting impact.
The press release highlights that the team at Elsewhere Entertainment includes developers who have previously worked on high-profile titles such as “The Last of Us” and “Uncharted” from Naughty Dog, “The Witcher” and “Cyberpunk 2077” from CD Projekt RED, “Destiny” from Bungie, and “Tom Clancy’s The Division” and “Far Cry” from Ubisoft. This diverse background suggests a strong foundation for the studio’s ambitious project.
Activision Blizzard has primarily focused on the Call of Duty series in recent years. The new project at Elsewhere Entertainment marks the first internally developed, original intellectual property from Activision in a considerable period. Given the early stage of the studio’s formation, detailed information about the game is not expected soon, especially considering the lengthy development cycles typical of AAA titles.
Second Polish Studio
Elsewhere Entertainment is Activision’s second studio in Poland, following the Krakow-based Infinity Ward Poland. The studio has been working behind the scenes until now, and this announcement marks its first public unveiling. Activision has also shared that Elsewhere Entertainment is currently recruiting developers to create a “next-generation gaming experience,” which is not related to the Call of Duty franchise.
The opening of Elsewhere Entertainment stands out in an industry that has recently seen numerous layoffs. Last week, Microsoft closed multiple studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin. Activision Blizzard was also impacted by layoffs earlier this year, with Blizzard being particularly affected.
Further details on Microsoft’s short-term game release schedule for Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, and its Xbox group are anticipated during the Xbox Games Showcase, which will be live-streamed on Sunday, June 9.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:21 pm CET
