Latest news with #Booty
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft cancels Perfect Dark Reboot production, closes studio behind the game
Microsoft has stopped development on two major Xbox game projects, Perfect Dark and Everwild, and is closing the studio behind Perfect Dark, The Initiative. This move is part of broader layoffs affecting about four percent of Microsoft's global workforce. Microsoft has cancelled Perfect Dark and Everwild games, and is closing studios and cutting jobs in its gaming division.(X) The decision was confirmed in a memo from Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios. According to the memo, the cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild led to the closure of The Initiative. Booty also mentioned that several other unannounced projects across Microsoft's gaming portfolio would be wound down, The Verge reported. Also read: Self-Regulation in Action: How Probo's Safety Features Promote Responsible Gaming The Initiative was created by Xbox in 2018 with the goal of reviving the Perfect Dark series. The game was to be co-developed with Crystal Dynamics, a studio known for the Tomb Raider series. Perfect Dark, a first-person shooter originally developed by Rare for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, had its reboot's first gameplay shown in 2024. However, the game did not appear in Microsoft's June 2025 showcase, where it had been expected to feature prominently. Also read: Apple reportedly planning to buy Perplexity AI to power future Siri upgrades and AI-driven search features Everwild Development Also Halted Everwild, a game by Rare announced in 2019, also faced development challenges. The project was restarted from scratch in 2021, but it is now also being cancelled. Rare itself remains active despite the recent changes. These cancellations come amid a larger pattern of layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division. Since acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, Microsoft has repeatedly cut jobs. The company laid off 1,900 employees in January 2024, closed studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks shortly after, and reduced staff again in September 2024 by 650 employees. In May 2025, Microsoft cut an additional 6,000 jobs, equal to about three percent of its entire workforce. This recent round marks the fourth major layoff affecting Microsoft's gaming operations in 18 months. Also read: Nintendo sells record 3.5 million Switch 2 consoles in four days Industry reports indicate that other Xbox studios may also face job cuts. For example, Raven, known for the Call of Duty franchise, and Turn 10, the developer behind Forza Motorsport, are also rumoured to be reducing staff. These moves come as Microsoft prepares to release next-generation Xbox consoles and maintain a strong presence at major gaming events like Gamescom. Mobile finder: Infinix GT 30 Pro LATEST price, specs and all details
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft layoffs: Why Perfect Dark reboot was canceled and The Initiative studio closed
In a major development, Microsoft has decided to cancel two of its upcoming video games, including a 'Perfect Dark' reboot and fantasy title Everwild, as part of trimming down the Xbox division. An internal memo to employees from Xbox president of game content and studios, Matt Booty, stated that the company was shutting down The Initiative, the studio behind Perfect Dark game, sources told IGN. Microsoft canceled Perfect Dark reboot(X) On Wednesday, Microsoft announced its decision to lay off thousands of workers, marking its second mass layoff in months as well as its largest in over two years. Without mentioning the total number of people who would be laid off, the tech giant has started sending out notices. The layoff heavily impacts Xbox video game business and other divisions. The company said that the latest round of layoffs comprise less than 4 per cent of the workforce it had a year ago, The Associated Press reported. Microsoft had nearly 228,000 full-time workers as of June last year, the last time when it reported its annual headcount. This means that its latest layoffs would be about 9,000 people, reports said. Microsoft has decided to shut The Initiative studio, which was developing the Perfect Dark reboot. The game was in the works for nearly seven years. This was the only studio that has been shut at Microsoft Gaming and Xbox, Variety reported. Interestingly, the company has not closed the studio behind the now-scrapped Everwild game that was being developed for almost a decade now. Microsoft is not the only company in the video game industry that has announced layoffs. Its major competitor, Sony's PlayStation, has already been through five rounds of trimming down the total strength in the last two years, besides shutting down three studios, according to Variety. In his memo, Matt Booty said that there 40 projects in active development at Xbox. As per reports, all the games featured during the Xbox Games Showcase presentation in June are moving ahead with their production. Announcing the latest decisions, Booty said it "reflects a broader effort to adjust priorities and focus resources to set up our teams for greater success within a changing industry landscape." Candy Crush maker King and Bethesda's London office are also believed to have hit hard with the layoffs, IGN reported. Those who have been affected directly will be provided support, "including severance, career transition assistance, and where possible, opportunities to explore roles on other teams," Booty stated. FAQs 1. How many employees were laid off by Microsoft in May? In May 2025, the company cut 6,000 staff, which was roughly 3 per cent of its workforce. 2. Who all are impacted by the latest layoffs at Microsoft? This includes the Xbox video game business, sales and other key divisions. 3. How many people have been removed by Microsoft now? The company stated that the latest layoffs will cut about 4 per cent of its workforce, or nearly 9,000 people.
Engadget
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Microsoft is closing the studio developing the Perfect Dark reboot and cancelling the game
The Initiative, the Xbox studio developing a modern reimagining of Perfect Dark , is being shut down, and development of the game is ending. As first reported by Windows Central, the studio's closure is part of major cuts Microsoft is making across its business, affecting around four percent of the company's global workforce. Based on a memo from Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty obtained by Windows Central , which Microsoft has confirmed is genuine, the decision to close The Initiative was born out of the cancellation of Perfect Dark , rather than the other way around. "We have made the decision to stop development of Perfect Dark and Everwild as well as wind down several unannounced projects across our portfolio," Booty wrote. "As part of this, we are closing one of our studios, The Initiative." Rare's Everwild was previously reported to be one of the projects impacted by Microsoft's layoffs. The game was announced in 2019 but has had a troubled development, even starting from scratch in 2021. Perfect Dark , based on the older Rare game of the same name, was supposed to be The Initiative's first project. The game was being co-developed in partnership with Crystal Dynamics. The first gameplay footage of the Perfect Dark reboot was shown in 2024. While cancelled games are the most visible impact of Microsoft's layoffs, it increasingly sounds like countless studios will end up being affected in one way or another. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier writes that Call of Duty studio Raven is also facing cuts, and Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 could end up losing around 50 percent of its staff.
FACT
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
FACT Review: Jennifer Lopez brings the heat to Jeddah with sparkles, sequin and swagger
With fireworks, flawless moves, and back-to-back hits, JLo proved she's still got the pop power. Saudi Arabia has been playing host to some of the biggest stars from across the world, and the Saudi Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah this past weekend was no exception. While McLaren's Oscar Piastri burnt rubber on the track, global pop queen and Bronx-born superstar Jennifer Lopez lit up the stage as part of the after-race concert. And let's just say, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit may still be recovering from her sheer fabulousness. Marking her first Formula 1 performance in over a decade – her last being in Singapore back in 2014 – JLo made a jaw-dropping entrance that was pure pop spectacle. Emerging from a massive, screen-covered cube like a glittering gift box come to life, she set the tone for a night of glam and grandeur. Giant LED visuals flashed across the cube in sync with pulsing beats as she kicked off the show with her hit track Booty. Strutting onto the stage in a sequined black-and-white striped suit that glittered as much the Red Sea behind her, the night was just getting started. Jennifer Lopez's setlist was a high-octane fusion of mash-up of old-school hits and modern flair. The singer performed classics like Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and blended it with newer tracks such as Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. She also lit up the stage with fan favourites like On the Floor, Let's Get Loud, I'm Into You and Ain't Your Mama, keeping the energy high from start to finish. Backed by a crew of elite dancers, the routines brought her iconic music videos to life. Every movement was electric, reminding the crowd that they were in the presence of a performer who's spent decades perfecting her craft. During All I Have, Jennifer Lopez brought her backup singers to the front of the stage to engage with the audience, creating an intimate moment amid the grandeur. With the night sky twinkling above, she invited the crowd to join in and sing the chorus together. Her heartfelt connection with the people made the night even more memorable as she offered a warm, genuine thank you to her fans for welcoming her so graciously to Jeddah. No JLo performance is complete without show-stopping outfit changes, and she delivered in true diva fashion. Paying tribute to Saudi Arabia, her standout look was a custom creation by local designer Nour Al Dhahri – first showcased at Riyadh Fashion Week – a flowing, golden-embroidered ensemble that shimmered under the lights. Each outfit change that followed was slicker than the last, with the singer transitioning mid-performance like it was just another dance move. From a dazzling red silk suit to a bedazzled New York Yankees cap worn during Jenny from the Block, every look was pure visual drama. Throughout the performance, the stage pulsed with neon energy, shimmering visuals, and an electric atmosphere. Between the explosive strobe lights, heart-thumping beats, and fireworks launched from helicopters, the entire spectacle was unforgettable that kept the crowd on their feet and screaming for more. From chart-toppers to red carpets, Jennifer Lopez has spent over two decades redefining what it means to be a pop icon—pioneering Latina representation in Hollywood, reshaping beauty standards, and becoming the only woman to simultaneously top the US box office and Billboard charts. And if her Jeddah performance proved anything, it's that Jenny from the Block still knows exactly how to bring the house down. For those who missed her performance in Saudi Arabia, Jennifer Lopez is bringing her Up All Night tour to Abu Dhabi on 29 July. Tickets to see her in the capital are available now via Platinumlist and are priced from AED 295. GO: Visit for tickets and more information.
FACT
07-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- FACT
Brrn Barre in Dubai: A hot workout studio has arrived for women
Located in Al Quoz, it offers low and high-intensity workouts. On your marks, get set, burn. Brrn Barre has opened at Goshi Warehouses in Al Qouz, and is a hot workout studio for women. If you want to heat up your workout routine, here's what you need to know. Brrn Barre offers a range of innovative workouts, and at the heart of the experience is the hot room with an increased temperature. The workouts offer a range of benefits, and aim to improve your flexibility, muscle recovery and sleep quality. The BRRN Room workout specialises in a slow burn and incorporates low-impact movements, which release tension. Booty BRRN is a slow-burn workout with low-impact movements that focus on stretching. Cardio Barre offers the highest burn with weights. Sculpt and Tone is a pilates workout which combines high intensity with low impact and aims to sculpt the body. Brrn Barre is a sleek spot with industrial chic vibes. One of the workout studios includes dimmed light with red hues; black, white and grey colours; and Brrn Barre branded towels. There are mirrors, so you can watch yourself in action. Plus, neon lights with motivational logos, such as 'Hot Girl Loading'. Brrn Barre offers a range of packages. One class starts from AED 155, five classes start from AED 727, and 10 classes start from AED 1,395. Brrn Core membership for three months starts from AED 4,650. Brrn Special membership for six months starts from AED 7,250. Brrn Baby membership for 12 months starts from AED 12,850. Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Dubai. GO: Visit for more information.
