- “No games, devices or experiences are being cancelled and no studios are being closed as part of these adjustments today”
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Microsoft is laying off 650 people from its Xbox games division.
According to an email from CEO of Microsoft gaming Phil Spencer, the job cuts are part of Microsoft’s plan to align its “post-acquisition team structure” and manage its business.
“We have made the decision to eliminate approximately 650 roles across Microsoft Gaming – mostly corporate and supporting functions – to organise our business for long term success,” wrote Spencer.
“No games, devices or experiences are being cancelled and no studios are being closed as part of these adjustments today.”
“In the US, we’re supporting them with exit packages that include severance, extended healthcare, and outplacement services to help with their transition; outside the US packages will differ according to location.”
Challenging times
Most of the cuts at Activision Blizzard will affect corporate and support roles. This follows a previous round of significant layoffs in January when Microsoft cut 1,900 positions across Xbox, ZeniMax/Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard to align with company goals.
“Throughout our team’s history, we have had great moments, and we have had challenging ones. Today is one of the challenging days.”
“I know that going through more changes like this is hard, but even in the most trying times, this team has been able to come together and show one another care and kindness as we work to continue delivering for our players,” he concludes.
These cuts also come shortly after Microsoft reportedly shut down its diversity, equity and inclusion team in July. The company’s biggest release for the year is Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which is set to launch this October.
