Romero Games, the Ireland-based studio founded by John and Brenda Romero, has reportedly closed entirely after Microsoft withdrew funding for its unannounced shooter project.
The studio confirmed losing its publishing agreement earlier this week when Microsoft pulled support. Subsequently, employees shared on LinkedIn that they had been laid off.
An anonymous staff member told The Journal that all 100+ employees lost their jobs suddenly, describing the closure as “a big shock.” The employee noted meetings with Microsoft shortly before the cuts made the shutdown unexpected, as the project was already well developed using Unreal Engine 5.
There remains a possibility that another publisher might revive the project, but for now, Romero Games has ceased operations.
This closure is part of a broader wave of layoffs and cancellations impacting Microsoft and its Xbox studios. Over 9,000 staff members were laid off across the company this week. Notable cancellations include the reboot of Perfect Dark and Rare’s Everwild. Additionally, The Initiative studio has shut down, senior Rare developers have departed, and ZeniMax Online Studios’ head Matt Firor announced his exit following the cancellation of Project Blackbird.