Xbox Layoffs Fallout: What It Means for Gaming

Xbox Layoffs Fallout: What It Means for Gaming

Author: Spawn On Me LLC July 7, 2025 Duration: 1:21:16

In Episode 550 of Spawn on Me, host Kahlief Adams and guest host Cam Hawkins dive into the massive Xbox layoffs and the fallout from Summer Game Fest coverage we missed.Xbox Layoffs Recap: Dissecting Microsoft’s July 2nd cuts of approximately 9,000 jobs across Xbox and gaming studios including Rare, Initiative, Turn 10, ZeniMax, and King Barcelona. We also discuss the cancellation of major projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark.Industry Reaction: We analyze Phil Spencer’s internal memo and the controversial suggestion for impacted staff to leverage AI tools like Copilot for job hunting.Studio-by-Studio Breakdown: Who’s affected? Rare, Turn 10, Initiative, ZeniMax, King Barcelona, and others. What does this mean for the future of Xbox exclusives?SGF Missed Gems: A quick roundup of standout announcements from Summer Game Fest that slipped under the radar in our previous coverage.Stay tuned and subscribe for more gaming breakdowns with a focus on people of color in the industry.


For over a decade, Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams has been a vital voice in gaming conversations, long before such discussions entered the mainstream. Founded by Kahlief Adams in 2013, this award-winning podcast established itself as an essential space for exploring how video games intersect with race, diversity, and broader culture. Rather than focusing solely on reviews or news, the dialogue here digs into the people and perspectives that shape the industry. You’ll hear genuine, in-depth conversations with game developers, journalists, scholars, and other creators who are often left out of the typical narrative. These discussions have consistently helped to frame and advance critical conversations about representation and inclusion, examining both the art we play and the community that surrounds it. Tuning into this podcast means joining a long-running, thoughtful examination of gaming’s impact and its potential, guided by a host who has been at the forefront of this specific and necessary dialogue since its inception. The result is a consistently insightful listen that challenges assumptions and highlights voices that truly matter.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams: A Video Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
KOTAKU'S ALYSSA MERCANTE VISITS BROOKAGO TO TALK GAMERGATE 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:06
This week we chat with Senior Editor, Alyssa Mercante about the rise and fall of Gamergate 2.0. How a consistent harassment campaign against women has now morphed into one centered around "anti-wokeness"
Chase Bethea hits all the right notes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
In this episode, we talk to composer Chase Bethea about his decade-long work in the gaming industry and how building sonic landscapes comes from lots of varied motivations.
GAMERGATE 2.0 IS A FAILURE... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
On this week's episode, I talk through the Sweet Baby Inc. "controversy" and explain how the basis for the backlash is based on riding the current wave of anti-diversity we've seen lately.
THE INFLUENCER LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING, DAN HEVIA TELLS US HOW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
We talk to Brand Manager and Business Development Dan Hevia from Evolved Talent about how influencer marketing has changed. How talent is thinking about their brands and why it is important to know your worth in an ever-…
MATTEL ON THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL SPACES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:23
In our first interview from our series of DICE 2024 series, we talk about the future of the digital space through the eyes of Mark DeLaet, Global Head Of Digital Gaming!
OUR FINAL FANTASY 7 REBIRTH REVIEW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:41
We have an amazing video review for you to check out by contributor Cam Hawkins who dug deep into the story and combat of one this year's most anticipated games.
FANBOYS TAKING FAT L'S OUT HERE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:44
In this week's episode, we chat with Abubakar Salim, Founder of Surgent Studios and Creative Director on Tales of Kenzera:Zau a fantastic metroid-vania that digs into beautiful African lore and tales of loss. I also dig…
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF XBOX? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:18
In our latest episode guest host Cam Hawkins and I talk about the rumors of Xbox moving away from console hardware, putting their flagship games on other consoles, and much more. We also talk about our time with Like A D…
ARE YOU PLAYING WITH YOUR FEET? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:08
This week we bring on John Warren, Co-Founder of Glydr. A company making one of the coolest gaming input devices I've ever seen. One that you can use entirely with your feet! We also took some time this week to talk abou…