Microsoft’s Xbox division is undergoing a major restructuring led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Multiple outlets report that Xbox will eliminate about 3,200 jobs through fiscal year 2027, describing it as the largest “reset” in Xbox’s history. One report also cites a larger figure—4,800 jobs—associated with broader Microsoft cuts and a “significant restructure,” but the Xbox-specific plan centers on 3,200 layoffs. According to Sharma’s communications to staff, about 1,600 roles are eliminated immediately, with the rest following over the year. The company also plans to simplify its operating model by reducing management layers and streamlining platform teams, while cutting vendor spending. The restructuring includes changes to Xbox studios: four studios are slated to leave the division under new ownership arrangements. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions are set to return to independent management while retaining their intellectual property and existing catalogues; Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will move to new owners with funding tied to completing active projects. Arkane begins a consultation process regarding its future. Sharma links the overhaul to weaker margins, an underperforming hardware cycle and stagnant growth expectations for initiatives including Game Pass and multi-platform expansion, with an aim to return to growth by 2027. Reports say no publicly announced first-party games or projects are being cancelled as part of the restructuring.
Xbox to cut 3,200 jobs and divest four studios in Microsoft’s major restructuring
Microsoft’s Xbox division is undergoing a major restructuring led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Multiple outlets report that Xbox will eliminate about 3,200 jobs through fiscal year 2027, describing it as...
- Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announces a major “reset” restructuring, with approximately 3,200 job eliminations through fiscal year 2027.
- About 1,600 roles are reported to be eliminated immediately, with remaining cuts phased through the year.
- Xbox plans to divest four studios: Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions return to independent management; Ninja Theory and Undead Labs move to new owners; Arkane starts a consultation process.
- The restructuring includes streamlining operations, including reducing management layers and cutting vendor spending.
- Sharma attributes the changes to weaker margins and slower-than-expected growth in areas including Game Pass and multi-platform expansion, with a goal of returning to growth by 2027.
This week, Microsoft announced they were laying off over 3,000 staff at Xbox. What will the impact be on the company? And what do these layoffs say about the gaming industry right now?
1 month agoThis week, Microsoft took a huge ax to its Xbox business. The company announced that it would be laying off 1,600 workers now, 1,600 more over the next fiscal year, and that it would be shedding four studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hasn't been shy about why she's making such dramatic cuts, saying in a […]
1 month agoAs Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma laid out an ambitious plan to streamline games, staff operations, and employee teams
1 month ago"We simply spread ourselves too thin" – Xbox's Asha Sharma on firm's restructuring plans GamesIndustry.bizMicrosoft cuts 4,800 jobs and shrinks Xbox in 'significant restructure' BBCXbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion GamesIndustry.bizResetting XBOX XBOX WireReport: Roughly half of the id Software team have been laid off Game Developer
1 month agoXbox Layoffs Announced: 1600 Now, 1600 More into 2028, Four Studios Leave and id Software Reportedly Gutted Digital FoundryMicrosoft cuts 4,800 jobs and shrinks Xbox in 'significant restructure' BBCReport: Roughly half of the id Software team have been laid off Game DeveloperResetting XBOX XBOX WireExclusive: Xbox's CEO on 3,200 layoffs, four studios cut, and her blunt warning that 'we spread ourselves too thin' Fortune
1 month agoMicrosoft's Xbox division is eliminating approximately 3,200 jobs as part of a major business restructure. The company is resetting its strategy after experiencing slower-than-expected growth and rising costs. Xbox is also simplifying its management structure, reducing layers from fourteen down to five. Four studios, including Compulsion Games, will move to new independent ownership. Xbox expects to return to growth in 2027 and entertain over a billion people daily.
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