Home News Microsoft Cuts Workforce Amidst Economic Downturn

Microsoft Cuts Workforce Amidst Economic Downturn

Author : Aiden Update:Feb 20,2025

Microsoft Cuts Workforce Amidst Economic Downturn

Microsoft's Recent Layoffs Continue Across Multiple Divisions

Reports indicate Microsoft has conducted another round of layoffs, impacting employees across its gaming, security, and sales departments. The exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed. Crucially, these job cuts are separate from previous layoff announcements made earlier in January and more recently.

The gaming industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with numerous companies, including Microsoft, implementing substantial workforce reductions in 2024. This trend has affected both large studios and smaller independent developers, with recent examples including IllFonic (Predator: Hunting Grounds) and People Can Fly (Outriders). Rocksteady also recently announced further layoffs following the mixed reception of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

Microsoft's own workforce reductions began early in 2024. In January, the company announced the dismissal of 1,900 Xbox division employees, including staff from acquired companies like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax. A further 650 corporate and support employees at Activision Blizzard were laid off in September.

A new report from Business Insider (via GamesIndustry.biz) suggests another round of layoffs has occurred. While a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the cuts, the precise number of affected employees remains unconfirmed and described as a "small number". These latest reductions are unrelated to the earlier January layoffs, which reportedly targeted underperforming staff not directly associated with Xbox.

The Broader Context of Microsoft's Layoffs

Microsoft's ongoing layoffs are particularly noteworthy given its recent acquisitions of major publishers like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, and its achievement of a $3 trillion market valuation shortly after the significant January 2024 layoffs. The initial wave of job cuts prompted complaints from the FTC, which attempted to use the Activision Blizzard layoffs as justification to block or reverse Microsoft's acquisition of the Call of Duty publisher.

Previous Microsoft layoffs have impacted various areas, including Xbox's physical retail teams, most of Blizzard's customer service team, and internal development studios such as Sledgehammer Games and Toys for Bob. Blizzard's unannounced survival game, codenamed Project Odyssey, was also canceled following these layoffs.

The impact of this latest round of layoffs on the Xbox gaming division remains uncertain, pending confirmation of the number of employees affected.

Related Articles
​ Bandai has been redefining "snowballing" since 2004 with the quirky charm of Katamari Damacy. Now, they're taking it to new heights with Katamari Damacy Rolling Live, set to launch on Apple Arcade this April. This game invites you to roll around, stick things together, and grow your katamari by coll
Author : Aiden
​ Get ready, Pokémon fans! Four adorable new Pokémon Funko Pops are ready for preorder, and they're releasing April 1st, 2025. Gardevoir, Fidough, and Dratini are each priced at $12.99, while a special pastel-colored Charmander is available exclusively on Amazon for $14.99.New Pokémon Funko Pop Figu
Author : Aiden
​ Monopoly GO's newest feature, the Wild Sticker, has taken the community by storm. Players who've experienced its magic are understandably impressed. This unique card lets you choose *any* sticker you want, bringing you one step closer to completing your Sticker Albums. This game-changer significan
Author : Aiden
​ Path of Exile 2: Mastering the Elusive Citadels After conquering the main campaign and Acts 1-3 on Cruel difficulty, Path of Exile 2 players unlock the Endgame and the Atlas of Worlds. Navigating this Atlas reveals various structures with unique mechanics, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning
Author : Aiden
​ Merge Flavor: Decor Restaurant: A New Culinary Merge Puzzle Game Merge Flavor: Decor Restaurant, from TAAP Game Studio, enters the crowded cooking sim and merge puzzle genre. The game blends restaurant management, merge puzzles, and a dramatic storyline. Currently available on Android via Google Pl
Author : Aiden
Latest Games More +
Word | 19.5 MB
Embark on a legendary journey that begins right here—are you ready? Welcome to the grand opening of "Warriors and Adventure"! Immerse yourself in a vast world where you can choose to be a brave warrior, a mysterious mage, or a holy and noble Taoist priest. The expansive map is yours to explore, offe
Casual | 232.7 MB
Let's protect the mouse and overcome an endless onslaught of monsters! Defend the mouse! Come and experience the delightful blend of tower defense and Action Roguelike in this casual, stress-relieving adventure! Follow our protagonist, the mouse, on his journey to find his long-lost father through t
Role Playing | 148.4 MB
Dive into the legendary world of the MMORPG masterpiece, 《Odin: Valhalla Rising》, where the realms of gods beckon adventurers to test their mettle.▣Game Introduction▣■ MMORPG, Challenging the Realm of GodExperience the pinnacle of visual fidelity with motion capture and 3D rendering technologies. Po
Racing | 87.3 MB
Imagine driving your car while respecting traffic signals and skillfully navigating through various hazards. This is the essence of the acclaimed game MOW (Minimal Over Wheels), a car driving simulator that offers a totally unique experience.MiniMOW is a free, reduced version of MOW, providing a tas
Adventure | 94.5 MB
Ready to face the zombie wave? Can you hold your ground during the zombie siege? Don't let fear take over—grab your weapon and unleash a barrage on the incoming horde! Dive into one of the most unique, addictive, and engaging shooting games around! FEATURES Classic Single Player Post-Apocalypti
Word | 397.1 MB
Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Covet Girl: Desire Story Game, where you can dive into a sea of interactive stories tailored to your mood, ranging from heart-pounding romance to gripping suspense. In this engaging narrative game, you'll encounter a new female partner with each chapte
Topics More +
Mar 04,2025 A total of 10
More
Feb 27,2025 A total of 10
More
Dec 31,2024 A total of 10
More
Dec 30,2024 A total of 10
More