Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs as Restructuring Continues
Xbox lays off 268 staff in its latest round of cuts, with Obsidian moved under Bethesda and the Halo franchise handed to Activision.
Xbox has laid off 268 people in its most recent round of cuts, adding to the 1,600 jobs the company shed earlier this year. The reductions are part of a restructuring that has reshaped how Microsoft's gaming division is organised.
Under the changes, Obsidian has been moved under Bethesda, while the Halo franchise has been handed to Activision. Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs were said to be departing, and Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, is set to close.
Asha Sharma, Xbox's CEO, has become the public face of the restructuring. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the streamlining as "great to see" and said he feels "fantastic" about the IP Xbox holds.
Nadella framed the division's direction around publishing and platforms, saying Xbox aims to be a great publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox.
Matt Booty said Xbox is roughly three-quarters of the way through the restructuring it previously announced, suggesting further changes may still be ahead.
Quick answers
How many jobs did Xbox cut in its latest layoffs?
Xbox laid off 268 people in its most recent round of layoffs, after cutting 1,600 jobs earlier this year.
What happened to Obsidian and Halo in the Xbox restructuring?
Obsidian was moved under Bethesda, and the Halo franchise was handed to Activision.
Which Xbox studios are closing or leaving?
Ninja Theory, the developer of Hellblade, is set to close. Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs were said to be departing.