Story perspectives

Xbox developer Coalition lays off story director before E-Day

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 6:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Coalition, an Xbox developer, laid off story director Juan Vaca two weeks before the Gears of War: E-Day launch.
Gears of War: E-Day releases on October 6, 2026 for Xbox, PC and Steam.
Xbox announced 3,200 job cuts this year after a prior 1,600-person round.
Staff fear post-launch layoffs could prevent meeting Metacritic bonus eligibility, which requires full-time status at payout.

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Story summary

The Coalition, an Xbox developer, laid off story director Juan Vaca two weeks before the Gears of War: E-Day launch.
Gears of War: E-Day releases on October 6, 2026 for Xbox, PC and Steam.
Xbox announced 3,200 job cuts this year after a prior 1,600-person round.
Staff fear post-launch layoffs could prevent meeting Metacritic bonus eligibility, which requires full-time status at payout.