Gears of War: E‑Day, Xbox’s sole first‑exclusive launch this year, opened on October 2 with a Metacritic rating of 88 while The Coalition’s staff prepares for a potential slump in job security.
Layoffs ripple through XBOX Reset’s latest wave
Microsoft’s July purge of roughly 1,600 positions has continued unabated, and earlier this month the company announced further reductions, integrating the Halo studio under Activision and merging Forza and Fable teams into a single entity.
Key departures hit the Gears team
Just a week before early access, the studio’s story director, Juan Vaca, was dismissed, a move that aligns with the broader pattern of cuts hitting creative roles across the portfolio.
Morale drops as launch day approaches
Despite an initial sense that Microsoft “had faith” in the studio, recent layoffs have shifted the mood toward caution—developers now prefer to postpone celebration until three months post‑launch “just in case” to avoid being the next wave of reorganisation.
Bonuses at risk amid critical acclaim
Eurogamer reports that anonymous employees worry the imminent layoffs could strip them of the Metacritic bonuses and other financial incentives tied to the game’s early success, overturning the secure feel that once prevailed.
As the title enjoys vigorous praise on review sites, the crew’s hope for a triumphant release is tempered by looming financial uncertainty and the looming specter of further corporate restructuring.
"