Microsoft to lay off 1,900 Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees – The Verge

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is shedding 1,900 staff at its gaming division, affecting roles at Activision Blizzard, Xbox, and Zenimax, The Verge reported, citing a memo by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.

The layoffs, which signify about 9% of Microsoft Gaming’s 22,000 staff, will primarily influence staff at Name of Responsibility maker Activision Blizzard, the report added.

Simply as in 2023, layoffs have hit the online game trade in 2024. Final week, Tencent’s (OTCPK:TCEHY) (OTCPK:TCTZF) Riot Video games introduced it was shedding 530 staff, or 11% of its workforce. In early January, Unity (U) introduced a 25% discount in workforce, whereas Amazon’s (AMZN) live-streaming website Twitch introduced plans to chop about 35% of its workforce.

Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, who beforehand served at Microsoft for 20 years, may even be departing. “It was nice to be a part of the staff that constructed Blizzard and ATVI over time. I’ve determined to transition out now that it is merging with MSFT,” mentioned Ybarra in a submit on LinkedIn.

In line with the report, Microsoft intends to nominate a brand new Blizzard president subsequent week. Allen Adham, Blizzard’s chief design officer, may even step down. A beforehand introduced survival recreation by Blizzard has additionally acquired the axe.

Microsoft closed its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, after a prolonged battle with U.S. and UK regulators.