The recent wave of layoffs at Xbox, affecting 1,600 employees, has sparked a frenzy of speculation about the future of several high-profile game franchises. The most prominent story revolves around the cancellation of Obsidian's Avowed 2 and the subsequent announcement of a new Fallout game, led by Josh Sawyer. However, the road to this decision is fraught with challenges and missed opportunities.
Fallout: A Long-Term Project
Obsidian's history with Fallout has been tumultuous. The studio was chosen to develop a Fallout game due to its expertise, but instead, we got Avowed, a missed opportunity. The development of a new Fallout game is a daunting task, with estimates suggesting it won't be ready for at least three years, and a 'real' Fallout-scale game could take even longer. This delay highlights the challenges of maintaining the Fallout franchise's legacy.
Elder Scrolls VI: A Slow Burn
Elder Scrolls VI, announced in 2018, is still a distant prospect, with a release date potentially slipping into the early 2030s. This delay is concerning, given the franchise's long history and the high expectations it carries. The decision to prioritize Fallout 76 over a new sequel and the live-service trend has raised questions about Bethesda's strategic direction, leaving fans wondering if Elder Scrolls VI can live up to its predecessors.
Halo: The Flagship Franchise in Peril
Microsoft's flagship franchise, Halo, has been on ice since 2021's Halo Infinite. With no clear vision for the series, the future of Halo remains uncertain. The lack of internal reporting and the cancellation of past story content suggest a troubled development process. Given the franchise's history, it's unlikely we'll see a significant Halo release in the near future, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty.
Doom: A Troubled Studio
id Software, the creators of Doom, has suffered significant layoffs, raising concerns about the studio's future. The once-iconic franchise now faces an uncertain path, with the challenge of maintaining its legacy under these circumstances.
Perfect Dark and Gears of War: Uncertain Futures
Perfect Dark's cancellation seems final, and Gears of War's next installment is a distant prospect. While E-Day is set for release this year, the franchise's future beyond that remains unclear.
Fable: A Revival in Flux
The revival of the classic Fable IP has been delayed, pushing its release into 2027. This delay raises questions about the team's ability to recapture the magic of the original, especially with a new team at the helm.
Forza: A Reliable Staple
Forza, on the other hand, is a franchise that Xbox can rely on. Its frequent releases and consistent quality make it a stable presence in the gaming landscape.
Xbox's Challenges and the Road Ahead
Xbox's new CEO, Asha Sharma, has acknowledged the challenges ahead. While the company is focusing on core franchises, the road to success is fraught with obstacles. The development of these games requires immense effort and high-quality execution, a task that Xbox must undertake to regain its footing in the gaming industry.
