Xbox Layoffs, Nintendo Switch Discontinuation, and Cyberpunk 2077 Sales Milestone - July 6, 2026

Video GamesMonday, July 6, 2026

50 articles analyzed by AI

Key points

Audio player

0:00 / 0:00

•Microsoft is undertaking the largest restructuring in Xbox history by laying off 3,200 employees and closing or divesting four studios including Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory. Half of these layoffs occurred immediately in 2026, signaling a significant reset aimed at refocusing the company's gaming division on core franchises and profitability.[Rock Paper Shotgun][Polygon]
•Cyberpunk 2077 has achieved a major sales milestone by surpassing 40 million copies sold worldwide as of July 2026, highlighting its sustained commercial success despite its rocky initial launch. This figure includes sales across platforms and reflects continued engagement with the game years after release.[GameSpot]
•The Elder Scrolls Online has reportedly lost up to half of its development team due to layoffs linked to Xbox's restructuring, which has forced the team to reassess the game's development roadmap. This staffing reduction raises concerns about the future pace and scale of content updates for the popular MMORPG.[IGN]
•Diablo 4’s Season 14 launched on June 30 with significant Mythic Uniques 3.0 item reworks, but early community feedback indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the changes. This backlash suggests that the gameplay adjustments have not met player expectations and may need revisiting.[GameSpot]
•Nintendo is scheduled to discontinue sales of the original Switch console in Europe by early 2027 due to new battery safety regulations. This move coincides with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 this fall in Europe, which will feature design changes such as user-replaceable batteries and a slightly heavier build.[Kotaku][IGN]
•The classic dating sim 'Sentimental Graffiti,' originally released for the SEGA Saturn in 1998, is being resurrected by Entergram for the PlayStation 5. This re-release targets fans of retro and niche Japanese games, expanding the PS5 library with a nostalgic title.[Push Square]
•Sony enhanced its PS Plus Premium subscription by enabling free trials of the acclaimed 2026 PS5 game 'Saros,' allowing members to experience the title without extra cost. This move enriches the subscription's offerings and provides greater value to PS Plus users.[Push Square]
•GOG's summer sale, running until July 9, offers discounts of up to 95% on over 8,000 games. This expansive sale gives gamers the opportunity to acquire a wide variety of titles at significantly reduced prices, boosting accessibility to indie and classic games.[GameSpot]

Relevant articles

Xbox are parting ways with Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory in the course of thousands of layoffs

9/10

Microsoft announced layoffs of 3,200 Xbox employees, impacting four studios: Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory. The layoffs are part of a significant Xbox 'reset,' with 1,600 employees laid off immediately and the rest over the following year.

Rock Paper Shotgun · 7/6/2026, 2:31:53 PM

Microsoft announces Xbox Game Studios cuts, affecting 4 studios

9/10

Microsoft confirmed major restructuring of Xbox Game Studios involving the closure of four studios and layoffs of 3,200 employees. This represents the most significant overhaul in Xbox history, aiming to refocus the brand and its resources.

Polygon · 7/6/2026, 2:20:54 PM

Cyberpunk 2077 Just Hit Another Massive Sales Milestone

9/10

Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 40 million copies sold globally as of July 3, underscoring the game's enduring commercial success since its release. The milestone reflects strong ongoing player interest across platforms.

GameSpot · 7/6/2026, 1:30:28 PM

The Elder Scrolls Online Has Reportedly Lost 'As Much as Half' of Its Development Team as Its Roadmap Is Being Re-Evaluated

8/10

Reports indicate that The Elder Scrolls Online development team has lost up to 50% of its staff due to layoffs, leading to a re-evaluation of the game's development roadmap. This signals a significant shift in the game's future updates and support.

IGN · 7/6/2026, 7:47:20 PM

Diablo 4’s Massive Mythic Item Changes Aren’t Finding Many Fans

8/10

Diablo 4 launched its Season 14 on June 30 with major changes to Mythic Uniques 3.0, but early player feedback has been largely negative regarding these extensive reworks, indicating dissatisfaction within the community.

GameSpot · 7/6/2026, 8:08:35 PM

Nintendo Will Stop Selling The Original Switch In Europe Next Year

8/10

Nintendo announced it will stop selling the original Switch console in Europe starting in 2027 due to new battery regulations. This comes ahead of the release of the new Switch 2 model, scheduled for launch later this year.

Kotaku · 7/6/2026, 7:30:38 PM

SEGA Saturn Dating Sim 'Sentimental Graffiti' Will Be Resurrected on PS5

8/10

Entergram will revive the 1998 SEGA Saturn dating sim 'Sentimental Graffiti' on PlayStation 5, introducing this classic Japanese title to a modern audience. The release taps into nostalgia for obscure retro games.

Push Square · 7/6/2026, 6:45:00 PM

PS Plus Premium Members Can Now Trial Saros, One of 2026's Best PS5 Games

8/10

Sony launched a new trial for PS Plus Premium members, allowing free trials of 'Saros,' one of 2026's top PS5 games, enhancing the subscription value with early access and trial gameplay.

Push Square · 7/6/2026, 5:00:00 PM

New Nintendo Switch 2 Announced for Europe This Fall: Will Be Slightly Heavier, But With User-Replaceable Batteries

8/10

Nintendo revealed a new Switch 2 console for Europe releasing this fall, featuring a slightly heavier design and user-replaceable batteries, addressing past consumer complaints. The revision aims to extend the hardware lifecycle.

IGN · 7/6/2026, 1:22:49 PM

Save Up To 95% Off Thousands Of Games In The GOG Summer Sale

8/10

GOG is hosting its summer sale through July 9, offering discounts up to 95% on over 8,000 games. This massive sale encourages gamers to expand their libraries affordably across multiple genres.

GameSpot · 7/6/2026, 4:28:44 PM