Microsoft is in another round of layoffs this time its gaming division Activision Blizzard.

I wonder if it is something to do with AI. Recently there was an announcement for XBOX to use AI in their Game worlds and Characters. The same was happening with Activision Blizzard looking to streamline Game production with AI. But usually after a merger some cost cutting will happen.

IGN managed to obtain an internal Email sent by Xbox boss Phil Spencer where he addressed the coming layoffs.

“It’s been a little over three months since the Activision, Blizzard, and King teams joined Microsoft. As we move forward in 2024, the leadership of Microsoft Gaming and Activision Blizzard is committed to aligning on a strategy and an execution plan with a sustainable cost structure that will support the whole of our growing business. Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth.”

“As part of this process, we have made the painful decision to reduce the size of our gaming workforce by approximately 1,900 roles out of the 22,000 people on our team.”Phil Spencer, leaked internal Xbox memo

I have survived my own layoffs years ago and my heart goes out to those who are affected on Twitter X has many people affected coming to post.

What is sad is after the layoffs or before is the company Microsoft has jumped pass $3 Trillion dollars in value.

Youtube Related Videos:

Games industry layoff tracker

https://publish.obsidian.md/vg-layoffs/Archive/2024

Related Links

• Gematsu : https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/microsoft-gaming-lays-off-1900-staff-as-blizzard-entertainment-president-mike-ybarra-and-chief-design-officer-allen-adham-depart
• Game Developer Mag https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-microsoft-follows-activision-blizzard-merger-with-1-900-layoffs
• Mike Ybarra Leaves Blizzard https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-cuts-1900-jobs-at-activision-blizzard-and-xbox-blizzard-president-mike-ybarra-leaves-the-company-and-the-studios-survival-game-has-been-cancelled/
• GD Mag Mike Ybarra Leaves Blizzard https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/mike-ybarra-exits-blizzard-entertainment-after-microsoft-layoffs
• Bloomberg: Microsoft Cancels New Blizzard Video Game After Six Years of Development
• Techcrunch Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in Activision Blizzard and Xbox divisions: https://tcrn.ch/4b9idUE
• AI at XBOX: https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/6/23948454/microsoft-xbox-generative-ai-developer-tools-inworld-partnership
• AI At activision: https://www.xfire.com/blizzard-ai-video-game-development/

Blizzard Survivor game Cancelled

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/25/24050297/blizzard-survival-game-cancelled-layoffs