Mass Layoffs at Microsoft Gaming
Microsoft Gaming has recently laid off nearly 2,000 employees, with the majority of the cuts affecting ZeniMax, Xbox, and especially Activision Blizzard. This move follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, marking one of the most significant deals in the history of the video game industry.
Challenges and Chaos
The layoffs have caused chaos within the company, as reported by industry insider Jason Schreier from Bloomberg. Many Microsoft Gaming employees have been reaching out to Schreier to confirm whether they are among those being let go. The situation is dire, with employees uncertain about their job status and some only finding out when their access to communication platforms like Slack is deactivated.
Reasons for the Layoffs
According to Schreier, the departure of key figures like Mike Ybarra and Allen Adham, coupled with the cancellation of the game Odyssey and unsuccessful meetings at the end of 2023, led to a more extensive round of layoffs than originally anticipated. Microsoft’s decision to cut 1,900 jobs across its video game divisions, including at Activision Blizzard, reflects the aftermath of these significant internal challenges.
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