Microsoft lays off one other 650 Xbox workers as a part of its Activision deal

After slashing 1,900 jobs throughout Xbox and Activision earlier this 12 months, Microsoft is shedding one other 650 workers, in keeping with an inside memo seen by The Verge. The cuts are once more associated to its Activision Blizzard acquisition and can principally have an effect on company and supporting features, Xbox head Phil Spencer informed workers.

“We now have made the choice to get rid of roughly 650 roles throughout Microsoft Gaming… to prepare our enterprise for long run success,” Spencer wrote. “No video games, gadgets or experiences are being cancelled and no studios are being closed as a part of these changes at this time.”

Microsoft accomplished its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, following a 21-month battle with regulators within the US and UK. To clear the take care of the UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority, Microsoft agreed to promote its cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft in order that titles will seem on a number of game-streaming providers.

Since then, the corporate has closed a number of sport studios, together with Redfall developer Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Canine Video games and Roundhouse Video games.