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The Verge
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Phil Spencer isn't retiring as the chief of Xbox ‘anytime soon'
Microsoft says that Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO and the head of Xbox, isn't retiring 'anytime soon.' The company has responded to rumors of Spencer's retirement, which have spread online today following Microsoft's major layoffs. 'Phil is not retiring anytime soon,' says Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, in a statement to The Verge. The denial comes after Call of Duty leaker GhostOfHope claimed 'Phil Spencer will be retiring from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after the launch of the next generation Xbox' and that Xbox president Sarah Bond would be taking over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming. While Microsoft's comment doesn't address the rumor fully, it makes it clear Spencer isn't retiring imminently. Separately, Microsoft communications chief, Frank Shaw, took to X to claim that at least part of the rumor was made up. Spencer originally assumed leadership of the Xbox division in 2014, a promotion from his role as the boss of Microsoft Studios. As the boss of Xbox, he's overseen many big initiatives, including the launch of the Xbox Series X / S, a huge push into Xbox Game Pass, acquisitions of major companies like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media, bringing more Xbox games to platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. While Spencer isn't retiring anytime soon, Microsoft is continuing its big cuts today that have affected Xbox studios and employees. Perfect Dark and Everwild have been cancelled, while Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios will be letting go of more than 70 staffers. Zenimax Online Studios also reportedly canceled a new MMORPG codenamed Blackbird that had been in the works since 2018.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft layoffs: Xbox faces turbulence - up to 2,000 jobs on the line as studio shutdowns loom
It looks like it's going to be a tough week for Xbox employees. There are rumors that Microsoft 's ongoing shake-up could lead to the loss of jobs. Developers are on edge and worried because they've heard rumors that entire studios are closing. Why are Xbox Studios at risk? Microsoft is preparing to lay off employees once more. As part of its organizational restructuring, the tech giant is reportedly planning to lay off employees in the Xbox division next week. Bloomberg reported that managers in its Xbox division are expecting significant layoffs. The Verge quickly supported that, claiming that managers had been notified internally and that the Xbox division might be affected by these cuts as early as next week. ALSO READ: Fito captured: The shocking crimes and net worth of Ecuador's most wanted man, José Adolfo Macias Will Xbox cut up to 2,000 jobs? Internal sources and a gaming industry veteran are warning of even deeper cuts, which is making things even more tense in Microsoft's gaming division. Live Events George Broussard, a seasoned industry veteran and one of the founders of Duke Nukem, wrote on Bluesky earlier today that internal sources anticipate the layoffs to be severe. He stated that up to 2,000 workers could be laid off, which could impact 10% of the Xbox workforce as a whole. The industry veteran has added to the mounting anxiety, and the situation does not appear to be improving. 'News has reported imminent Xbox layoffs , but I'm hearing internal developer stuff where people at most studios are anxious and worried,' Broussard stated. 'Word is that entire studios may be shuttered. Expectation is 1000-2000 people,' as quoted in a report by The Game Post. These cuts are besides those made earlier this year. Microsoft laid off 6,000 workers in May across its gaming division and other businesses. More than three hundred people were laid off earlier this month. Naturally, in early 2024, the company laid off 1,900 employees from ZeniMax, Activision Blizzard, and Xbox. But as of yet, no formal announcement has been made. How is this impacting employees? The increasing volume of reports and the specific information coming to light are making matters worse. Uncertain of whether they will still have jobs next week, developers are waiting in limbo. Rumors that entire studios are in jeopardy heighten the sense of urgency. FAQs How many Xbox employees could be laid off? Insiders fear that 1,000-2,000 jobs will be cut soon. Will Xbox close any of its studios? Rumors suggest that entire studios may be closed as part of the cuts. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
