The video game division at Microsoft Corp, has decided to lay off about 1900 workers. This decision will also affect Activision Blizzard, which was required recently.
This decision was recently reported through an email to the staff. Microsoft has about 22,000 staff working in the gaming division, so the reduction is about 8% of the gaming staff.
To better compete with Sony, the industry leader in video games, Microsoft strengthened its position in the market with best-selling titles like “Call of Duty” after closing a $69 billion acquisition for Activision Blizzard in October. Riot Games and other video gaming firms have also implemented large-scale layoffs.
The Blizzard company’s president, who was also affected by the layoff empathize the staff affected, saying “To all of those impacted today – I am always available to you and understand how challenging today’s news is. My heart is with each one of you.”
The president also shared a message to announce his exit from the company on (X) formerly known as Twitter:#NIQS
“I want to thank everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful contributions to their teams, to Blizzard, and players’ lives. It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way a reflection on your amazing work. If there’s anything I can help with, connections, recommendations, etc., DM me.
“To the Blizzard community: I also want to let you all know today is my last day at Blizzard. Leading Blizzard through an incredible time and being part of the team, shaping it for the future ahead, was an absolute honor. Having already spent 20+ years at Microsoft and with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard behind us, it’s time for me to (once again) become Blizzard’s biggest fan from the outside.”
Already, Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned employees last week to expect more job cutbacks as the internet giant continues to impose cost-cutting measures throughout its operations, following the layoff of hundreds of employees.
According to Pichai, this year’s layoffs were intended to “simplify execution and drive velocity in certain areas” by “removing layers.” He verified the fears of many at Google, which is that there will be more “role eliminations.”
