Xbox has confirmed another round of devastating layoffs, leaving thousands of employees without jobs. The latest wave of cuts, which include the cancellation of several high-profile projects, is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to reposition the company for success in a dynamic marketplace.
According to sources, over 9,000 Xbox employees have lost their jobs as part of this latest round of layoffs, bringing the total number of job losses since 2022 to over 18,000. This week’s cuts include the cancellation of Rare’s fantasy adventure Everwild, The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot, and an unannounced MMO project codenamed Blackbird.
Microsoft has said that the layoffs are necessary to position the company for success and allow it to focus on strategic growth areas. However, many in the industry have criticized the move as tone-deaf and insensitive, particularly given the announcement made by Xbox Game Studios Publishing executive producer Matt Turnbull, who suggested that laid-off staff use generative AI to help find new jobs.
The impact of these layoffs is being felt across the gaming industry, with developers and publishers making significant cuts in recent years. The latest round of job losses is a grim reminder that the video game industry is facing an uncertain future, and many are left wondering what other challenges lie ahead.
In response to the layoffs, Xbox head Phil Spencer has issued a statement assuring employees that the company will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential. However, critics have argued that this approach prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability and talent retention.
As the gaming industry continues to navigate this uncertain landscape, one thing is clear: the coming years will be crucial in determining its future success.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/job-losses-studio-closures-cancelled-games-what-we-know-about-xboxs-devastating-wave-of-layoffs