Microsoft Announces Layoffs at Activision Blizzard, Xbox and ZeniMax (Bethesda)

Layoffs in the video game industry don’t stop, and this time it’s time Microsoft Gaming. Company led by Phil Spencer announced staff reduction by 8%which will have a direct impact on Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Media (Bethesda) and Xbox.

In particular, as a result of this decision, about 1,900 workers remained unemployed. But the changes are even more profound when you consider the departure of such important managers as Mike Ibarra And Allen AdhamPresident and Head of Design at Blizzard, respectively.

Added to this is that the survival game that Blizzard was working on, which was still untitled, has been cancelled. According to an internal message received EdgePhil Spencer noted that these decisions are aimed at aligning strategy and execution of a plan whose structural costs are sustainable.

The leader of Microsoft Gaming called layoffs at Activision Blizzard, Xbox and Bethesda a “painful decision” and thanked the victims for their decision. “creativity, passion and dedication”.

“The Games leadership team and I are committed to conducting this process as thoroughly as possible. Everyone directly affected by these cuts played an important role in the success of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax and the gaming teams. Xbox and they should be proud of everything they have achieved here.”

Phil Spencer on layoffs at Microsoft Gaming.

Blizzard is one of the hardest hit by layoffs at Microsoft Gaming

As we indicated at the beginning, the layoff of 1,900 workers at Activision Blizzard, Bethesda and Xbox This has deeper implications than simply cutting staff.. Mike Ibarra’s resignation as president of Blizzard Entertainment was a major blow.

Let’s keep in mind that this executive has worked at Microsoft for almost 20 years, being an important part of the Xbox team. In 2021, he took over as Blizzard’s president while the company worked through Redmond’s acquisition of ABK for nearly $69 billion.

“Leading Blizzard through this incredible time and being part of the team shaping its future has been an absolute honor. After spending over 20 years at Microsoft and with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard behind us, it was time for us (once again) to become Blizzard’s biggest fan from the outside,” Ibarra wrote. on X (Twitter) as a farewell message.

When Allen Adham This is also important. After all, we are talking not only about the head of design at Blizzard, but also about the co-founder of the company. Matt Booty, president of game studios and content at Microsoft Gaming, said his influence will continue to be felt in the future, either directly or indirectly.

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