TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The Galway-based Romero Games studio has been shut down, resulting in the loss of jobs for over 100 staff members. This move comes after Xbox pulled funding for the studio's latest game, a first-person shooter. According to Irish publication The Journal, the details surrounding the closure are still unclear, but it is believed that Microsoft subsidiary Bethesda was set to publish the game. However, as part of a wider cost-cutting exercise, Xbox decided to withdraw funding for the project, leading to the closure of the studio. This development was confirmed by affected developers at Romero Games, who took to social media to share their experiences. Multiple staffers from various disciplines, including art and programming, shared that the entire studio had been laid off. One former employee expressed their disappointment, stating that the studio's closure was due to cutbacks from the publisher. Despite the current situation, there is a glimmer of hope that Romero Games could potentially source new funding and resume operations in the future. The studio's latest project, which was cancelled as a result of Xbox's decision, was being developed by legendary DOOM designer John Romero and his team. In a statement, Romero Games expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that the cancellation was not a reflection of their team's work, performance, or the quality of the project. The studio had reportedly hit every milestone on time, every time, but unfortunately, it was not enough to save the project from being scrapped. The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with many expressing their sympathy for the affected staff members.