Xbox boss Phil Spencer addressed the “painful” layoffs announced by Microsoft last week when 10,000 employees lost their jobs.
The latest round of layoffs involved Halo game developers at 343 Industries, Starfield developers at Bethesda and Xbox Studios veterans.
In an email sent to employees, Spencer admitted (via Kotaku) that “it’s been a difficult week for Microsoft.”
“This is a difficult moment in our business, and this week’s actions were a painful choice,” he continued. “The game management team had to make decisions that we felt set us up for the long-term success of our products and business, but the individual results of these decisions are real. I know it hurts. Thank you for the support of our colleagues in the process of processing these changes.”
“GLT and I strive to be as transparent as possible,” he added. “Moving forward with uncertainty is difficult, but I am sure that together we will get through this difficult moment in time.”
Spencer concluded by saying, “Xbox has a long history of success thanks to the work you do for the benefit of players, creators and each other. Your work is so highly appreciated in these times of change and is an integral part of our business momentum. I am confident in our future and proud to be a part of this team, but I also realize that this is not an easy time, and I want to thank you for everything you are doing here.”
Announcing the layoffs, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said they make up “less than five percent of our total employee base.”
Looking ahead, the CEO says Microsoft’s finances will be impacted by “layoff costs, changes to our equipment portfolio, and the cost of lease consolidation as we create higher density in our workplaces.”
After this news, 343 Industries took to Twitter to respond to rumors that it would cease to be the main studio for the development of Halo, while Microsoft faced criticism over the decision to hold a private Sting concert for top managers the day before the announcement of mass events. layoffs.
From other news: It looks like Martin Hollis, director of Goldeneye 007 for the Nintendo 64, wants to make a new first-person shooter.
