Microsoft Laying Off 650 Activision Blizzard Employees
Microsoft has started a new wave of layoffs in its Xbox division after acquiring Activision Blizzard. According to information confirmed by Xbox boss Phil Spencer, another 650 employees are being laid off. Although this cutback was explained as structural changes for the future success of Xbox, it has caused a major shake-up in the gaming industry.
Activision Blizzard Laying Off 650 Employees
In a letter to employees, Phil Spencer stated that these cuts were necessary to “organize our business for long-term success”. He also emphasized that these layoffs across “corporate and supporting functions” will cause minimal disruption to Xbox’s operations.
“Over the past year, our goal has been to minimize disruption as we welcome new teams. As part of harmonizing our post-acquisition team structure and managing our business, we’ve decided to eliminate 650 roles.”
In January, Microsoft laid off nearly 1,900 employees from Xbox Game Studios, Activision Blizzard and Bethesda. Studio closures and the closure of major studios such as Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks followed these cuts. This time, however, no games, devices or studios will be shut down, Spencer said.
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