Xbox boss Phil Spencer has reached out to Xbox staff across the company, acknowledging that it’s been “a tough week” and that while “this week’s actions were painful choices” it “has put [Xbox] for the long-term success of our products and our business”.
The email – which was shared by Kotaku – follows Microsoft’s massive 10,000 layoff series that has affected multiple Xbox studios, including Halo studio 343 Industries.
“It’s been a tough week across Microsoft, and here on our teams. Now that so many 1:1 and team conversations have taken place, I want to take a moment to reiterate the message you heard from your leaders,” Spencer said. email started.
“It’s a tough time for our business, and this week’s actions have been painful choices. The Game Leadership Team (GLT) had to make decisions that we believe have set us up for success at long term of our products and our business, but the individual results of these decisions are real. I know this hurts. Thank you for supporting our colleagues as they process these changes.
“Over the next few weeks we will have many opportunities to connect and answer your questions, including the monthly game update next week for teams attending this meeting, and I am in close contact with ZeniMax teams to provide assistance,” adds Spencer. “The GLT and I are committed to being as transparent as possible. Moving forward through ambiguity is a challenge, but I am confident that together we will get through this difficult time.
“Xbox has a long history of success thanks to the work you do in service of gamers, creators, and each other,” the post concludes. “Your work is so deeply appreciated and valued in these times of change and is an integral part of our business momentum. I am confident in our future and proud to be part of this team, but also aware that these are difficult times and I want to thank you for all you do here.”
Microsoft previously cut “hundreds” of positions in October last year, including some team members working in the company’s Xbox division. The layoffs come ahead of Microsoft’s next financial results briefing, scheduled for January 24.