“I believe in Xbox”: Seamus Blackley gives his thoughts on layoffs and studio closures

Seamus Blackley, creator of the original Xbox, recently used his social networks to talk about the current crisis that Xbox is going through after its change of strategy. As you know, the company shut down several of its studios and, as a result, an undisclosed number of developers lost their jobs.

Like other members of the industry, the developer lamented the end of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, as it impacted the careers of talented creatives. Despite this, he remained positive and assured that he still believes in Xbox and its future.

Father of Xbox is confident in the brand's future

“Thinking about Xbox. Thinking about all the developers who have just lost their jobs, and dreams. It’s so scary. It’s hard to make creative things. It takes a lot of courage,” Seamus Blackley wrote in his first post on the subject.

Initially, the creative received criticism as he also posted messages of support for Sarah Bond, president of Xbox. From his perspective neither she nor Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, could do anything to prevent the layoffs.

Despite this, she sent a clear message to the managers and asked them to take more care of the developers, as they are the most important part of the industry after all. He also lashed out at the top management for making this kind of decisions.

Despite this, he sent a clear message to the directors and asked them to take more care of the developers, since they are the most important part of the industry after all. He also lashed out at top management for making these kinds of decisions.

“I do know the stench of money guy decision making and how it destroys the lives and confidence of creative people. And that’s the tragedy here. The game industry keeps forgetting, and then re-learning *the hard way* that it’s the DEVELOPERS who matter,” Blackley wrote.

Finally, he stated that making such decisions is far from simple, and that despite what has happened, he believes Xbox still has a promising future. “I’m confident this isn’t the end of the story. I believe in Xbox and I believe in games,” the creative concluded.