Microsoft Announces Major Layoffs in Gaming Division
Microsoft has declared a significant reduction in its gaming division workforce, laying off 1,900 employees, which constitutes about 8% of its total 22,000 staff members. This sweeping decision impacts several key branches, including Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and the Xbox team.
I want to thank everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful contributions to their teams, to Blizzard, and to players’ lives. It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way a reflection…
— Mike Ybarra 🎄 (@Qwik) January 25, 2024
In a major shake-up within Blizzard, President Mike Ybarra and Chief Creative Officer Allen Adham have confirmed their exits from the company. Concurrently, Blizzard's ambitious survival game project "Odyssey" has been axed. As part of the restructuring, some of the employees affected by the cancellation of "Odyssey" will be reassigned to a number of Blizzard's promising new projects, currently in the early phases of development.
This move marks a significant shift in Microsoft's gaming strategy and has sent ripples through the industry, raising questions about the future direction of its gaming ventures.
Source: Weibo