Microsoft Cuts 268 More Xbox Jobs as Halo Studios Shrinks
Microsoft laid off 268 more Xbox employees, leaving Halo Studios a vestigial rump and Xbox Game Studios with just three teams.
Microsoft has laid off 268 more employees from its Xbox division, the latest round of cuts to hit the platform holder. The reductions leave Halo Studios reduced to what Polygon describes as a vestigial rump.
As part of the restructuring, Xbox handed Halo to Activision along with Rare. Xbox Game Studios now comprises just three studios.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has spoken about refocusing on the console business, even as the company's portfolio spans Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Minecraft.
The cuts land against a busy release calendar. Ace Combat 8 is described as one of the year's highest-rated AAA games, while the World of Warcraft: Forever beta and a Wolverine release are also in the mix.
Quick answers
How many Xbox employees did Microsoft lay off?
Microsoft laid off 268 more Xbox employees.
What happened to Halo Studios?
Halo Studios was reduced to a vestigial rump, and Xbox handed Halo to Activision along with Rare.
How many studios does Xbox Game Studios have now?
Xbox Game Studios now comprises just three studios.