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Written by Matti RobinsonTake-Two Closes Rollerdrome And Kerbal Space Program 2 Studios While Majority Of Private Division Laid Off
Written by Wesley LeBlanc
Update, 2:47 p.m., May 2, 2024:
Earlier today, we learned that Take-Two Interactive, the company-publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series, had closed Rollerdrome studio Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program 2 studio Intercept Games. Both of those games, and many others including the recently released No Rest for the Wicked, were published by Private Division, an indie-publishing arm under Take-Two.
Now, in a new update fromGamesIndustry.biz, the publication reports that Take-Two has shuttered the "vast majority" of Private Division's teams in Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Munich, according to one of its sources. WhenGamesIndustry.bizreached out to Take-Two for confirmation, the company issued the same statement that can be read inGame Informer'soriginal story below.
The original story continues below...
Original story, 9:48 a.m., May 2, 2024:
Take-Two Interactive, the company behind games like Grand Theft Auto V that also acquired mobile giant Zynga in 2022 in the second-biggest deal in games history, has closed Roll7 and Intercept Games, the studios behind Rollerdrome and Kerbal Space Program 2, respectively. After a report from GameDeveloper.com indicated Take-Two was laying off 70 people at Intercept Games,Bloombergreleased a report confirming that Take-Two was shuttering both Intercept Games and Roll7.
The publication reports that Take-Two is closing the London-based Roll7 and offering severance to staff. A notice filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department indicates that Take-Two is planning to close a Seattle-based studio with 70 employees, which aligns with Intercept Games' employee count and location.
While Take-Two hasn't yet addressed the closures, it gave the following statement toIGNregarding the layoffs and the status of Kerbal Space Program 2, which launched into Early Access last year.
"On April 16, Take-Two announced a cost reduction program to identify efficiencies across its business and to enhance the Company's margin profile while still investing for growth. As part of these efforts, the Company is rationalizing its pipeline and eliminating several projects in development and streamlining its organization structure, which will eliminate headcount and reduce future hiring needs. The company is not providing additional details. "On April 18, Private Division successfully launched Moon Studio's No Rest for the Wicked. The label continues to make updates to Kerbal Space Program 2 and plans to releaseWētā Workshop Game Studio's Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings game in the second half of 2024."These closures arrive roughly a month after Take-Two announced it was laying off 5% (579 employees) at its various companies while canceling projects in the works. The publisher also acquired Gearbox Entertainment in late March. Roll7 won a BAFTA award for Rollerdrome last year and also developed 2022'sOlliOlli World.
The hearts of theGame Informerstaff are with everyone who's been affected by layoffs or closures.
More...
Ubisoft's Free-To-Play FPS XDefiant Finally Gets Release Date And It's This Month
Written by Wesley LeBlanc
XDefiant, the free-to-play first person shooter starring factions across Ubisoft's catalogue of franchises, finally has a release date and it's out very soon. Ubisoft announced today that XDefiant drops onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Ubisoft Connect) on May 21.
This is the day the XDefiant preseason will take begin, giving players a chance to enjoy the shooter before its official first season begins. This release date reveal follows various betas and tests for the game, which at one point, resulted in the game getting indefinitely delayed last year.
"Thank you to everyone who participated in the Server Test Session," an XDefiant blog post reads. "It was exciting to see all the love for the game and the great feedback that was shared. Coming out of the test, we are excited to say that we will launch our Preseason on May 21 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Preseason will last 6 weeks before going into our seasonal cadence."
As for that seasonal cadence, Ubisoft has already outlined the first four season, which together will encompass the game's Year 1 roadmap. You can check it out below:
As for what to expect in XDefiant's preseason, there's a lot of content on offer, and it's all free:
Factions
- Echelon (Splinter Cell)
- Phantoms (Ghost Recon Phantoms)
- Cleaners (The Division)
- Libertad (Far Cry 6)
- Dedsec (Watch Dogs 2, after unlocking or purchasing)
Maps
- Arena
- Attica Heights
- Dumbo
- Echelon HQ
- Emporium
- Liberty
- Mayday
- Meltdown
- Midway
- Nudleplex
- Pueblito
- Showtime
- Times Square
- Zoo
Modes
- Domination
- Hot Shot
- Occupy
- Escort
- Zone Control
Ubisoft says a new Ranked Mode Practice Playlist will be live in the preseason, too, giving players a practice go at the game's upcoming ranked mode where players battle it out in 4v4 competitive matches. This playlist will include 4v4 versions of Domination, Occupy, Escort, and Zone Control.
All rewards earned during the previously held Server Test Sessions and Insider Sessions will be available at launch in the preseason.
Here's another look at what to expect in XDefiant's 6-week preseason:
For more about the game, read Game Informer's XDefiant impressions after going hands-on with the game, and then check out this XDefiant New Gameplay Today for a look at how it plays.
Are you hopping into XDefiant later this month? Let us know in the comments below!