Microsoft has confirmed that an unspecified number of employees have been cut from the Xbox division.
Microsoft has confirmed layoffs in the Xbox division at Microsoft Studios. The video game production wing for Microsoft contains over twenty studios worldwide, including 343 Industries, Rare, Lionhead, Twisted Pixel, and Black Tusk. Microsoft hasn’t specified how many employees are affected by the layoffs, but at least two employees have spoken about the cuts. Patrick Loughman, an artist at Microsoft Studio’s Redmond headquarters, and technical producer Elbert Perez, both announced their layoffs on Twitter.
Microsoft was a great place to work. I'm just excited to have some agency in my own creative endeavors.— Patrick Loughman (@el_PatrickL) April 3, 2014
Perez took the opportunity to promote the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming physics-driven game, Habitat. Perez is the development director for the Habitat.
I got laid off today at Microsoft and our KickStarter for #habitat just launched. Help me fund my dream 🙂 https://t.co/qASLER0Qpr— Elbert Perez (@mechaghost) April 2, 2014
In a statement to CVG, a Microsoft spokesperson says, ” At Xbox, our goal is to constantly create new fun, social and interactive entertainment experiences. As part of our commitment to this goal, we are always evaluating our development priorities, and there are times when decisions need to be made to realign plans and refocus our efforts. Microsoft Studios continues to grow as an overall organization as we focus and invest in key priority areas that will drive future profitable growth.”
The cuts comes shortly after Microsoft Game Studios chief Phil Spencer took over everything Xbox at Microsoft. In a statement, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says, “Combining all our software, gaming and content assets across the Xbox team under a single leader and aligning with the OSG [operating system group] team will help ensure we continue to do great work across the Xbox business, and bring more of the magic of Xbox to all form factors, including tablets, PCs and phones.”
For all those affected by the cuts, we here at The Escapist hope you land on your feet.
Source: CVG
