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[Update] Layoffs At Microsoft Studios
Update: Microsoft has responded to our requests for comment and details on the situation.
A Microsoft spokesperson released the statement regarding the situation:
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.
To our question of whether there were more layoffs, they said: "While we do not discuss personnel decisions, the team affected was small relative to the overall size of Microsoft Studios."
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Original Story:
Layoffs have reportedly occurred at Microsoft Studios, but it's unknown the extent to which the first-party software division of the company is changing.
Technical producer Elbert Perez and artist Patrick Loughman have both known to have been laid off from Microsoft Studio's Redmond headquarters according to their tweets.
CVG has confirmed the layoffs, but Microsoft's official response does not give any context to the matter or elaborate whether more layoffs are expected.
We've contacted the company for more information on the situation.
[Source: @mechaghost, @el_PatrickL via Neowin, CVG]
Our Take:
Unfortunately, layoffs occur regularly as projects are completed or cancelled. Whether these were "routine" moves or related to a larger restructuring effort is unknown. Best of luck to Perez and Loughman.
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