Microsoft calls the choice "a fiscally rooted decision that keeps MGS on its growth path."

While Ensemble will see closure come launch date, the statement further explains that a "leadership team" from the studio will form a brand new development entity one that will continue to support Halo Wars post launch and work on unspecified Microsoft Game Studios titles.

Those let go from the studio may find a home at the newly formed, as Microsoft stated it was "working to place as many Ensemble employees who do not move to the newly formed studio into open positions within Microsoft as possible."

Good luck to all involved.

Confirmed: Microsoft closes Ensemble [GameSpot]

Ensemble, which was founded in 1995 in Dallas, Texas, has sold over 20 million copies of its Age of Empires series. It plans to ship Halo Wars in early 2009.

We've contacted Ensemble and Microsoft for further details.

Rumor: Halo Wars Dev Ensemble Shutting Down, Non-essential Employees Axed [Shacknews]

In Mexico, nothing says politics more than video games. Former Mexican president Vicente Fox once invited some orphans over to "play Nintendo," and current prez Felipe Calderon is a big time game nerd who even admits publicly he games. During his president campaign, Calderon doted his campaign site with flash games, which unfortunately are now gone. Still! He is one of us. His favorite title? Age of Empires. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, though... Brian Ashcraft

Mexican President Likes Games [Insert Credit]