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Eurogamer reports that multiple employees at The Coalition fear further layoffs around Gears of War: E-Day’s release, and that staff are unsure whether employees let go before a review-score bonus is paid would still qualify. The reporting does not establish that Microsoft has announced a post-launch layoff round or plans to deny anyone a bonus.
What has been reported about possible Coalition layoffs?
In an October 1, 2026 report, Eurogamer said it spoke with multiple anonymous sources at the Vancouver-based studio. They described growing fears of further cuts near the release of Gears of War: E-Day. The sources said staff had previously felt cautiously optimistic that the studio would avoid layoffs, in part because a major game was approaching and they saw the studio’s relationship with Xbox leadership as relatively hands-off.
Eurogamer said that confidence had weakened after departures including story director Juan Vaca, and that multiple sources told it employees had quietly been let go in recent weeks. The report did not provide a complete count. Separately, PC Gamer reported on September 27 that Vaca said he was part of Microsoft’s latest layoffs. The Coalition was not named in the Microsoft reset blog post cited by PC Gamer; Vaca’s reported departure is not evidence that Microsoft announced another round at the studio.
Neither account confirms a Coalition-wide plan for layoffs after launch. Eurogamer said Xbox declined to comment on the record when approached about its reporting.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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What is known about the Metacritic-linked bonus?
Eurogamer said it verified an internal email describing a review-score incentive. According to the outlet, studio leadership said the payout should happen near the end of October and that employees needed to be full-time at the time of payout. The email itself has not been published in the reviewed coverage, so these terms are Eurogamer’s account of it.
The report says recently affected employees such as Vaca would receive bonuses if the targets were met. It also says current employees did not know whether they would qualify if laid off before the payout. Some staff reportedly suspected Xbox might try to avoid paying bonuses to employees let go shortly before or after release; that is an attributed concern, not proof of Microsoft’s intent. Eurogamer did not establish a precise bonus amount: one source believed it could be tens of thousands of dollars.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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The outcome therefore depends on several unresolved points:
- Whether the score targets are met.
- Whether the expected payout happens as described.
- How the full-time-at-payout condition would apply to employees laid off before payment.
When does E-Day release, and what is confirmed about the game?
GamesRadar+’s review-in-progress lists October 6, 2026 as the release date, with PC and Xbox Series X platforms, The Coalition and People Can Fly as developers, and Xbox Game Studios as publisher. It describes the campaign as playable by one to four people. Its review was provisional: multiplayer elements were not yet fully online and the overall score was pending. GamesRadar+’s review-in-progress does not establish the game’s eventual Metacritic result or whether any bonus target will be reached.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What remains unconfirmed?
- A further or post-launch Coalition layoff round has not been confirmed by the reporting cited here.
- The eligibility of current employees laid off before the bonus payout remains unclear in Eurogamer’s account.
- Neither the eventual review-score outcome nor whether bonuses will be paid is established in the reviewed coverage.
Kotaku also covered the story, but its account relies on Eurogamer’s reporting rather than offering a separate investigation of the underlying anonymous claims. Kotaku’s coverage likewise presents further cuts and possible bonus loss as fears and uncertainties.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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