‘I feel like I’m grieving’: staff on the devastating fallout of widespread layoffs at Xbox
Summary
Microsoft’s Xbox division announced the largest restructuring in its history, planning to cut 3,200 jobs by 2027, with 1,600 layoffs happening immediately. Many employees were informed through brief virtual meetings, leaving them unable to respond or ask questions, and some studios are now working with unions to negotiate severance and seek re-employment.Key Facts
- Xbox CEO Asha Sharma sent an email on July 6 announcing major layoffs affecting 3,200 staff by 2027.
- Out of these, 1,600 job cuts happened immediately across Xbox game studios worldwide.
- Employees at Bethesda Game Studios Austin and ZeniMax Online Studios received layoff notices via short virtual calls without interaction.
- Slack communication channels were shut off quickly after layoffs, leaving remote workers disconnected.
- Bethesda and ZeniMax game studios are unionized and are negotiating with Microsoft about severance packages and benefits.
- US law requires at least 60 days’ notice for large layoffs, so affected workers are paid through September 4.
- Staff had heard rumors about layoffs for weeks, with some shocked as they believed their projects at Bethesda were secure.
- Rallies are taking place outside studios in North America, with the union seeking public support on social media.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
