Xbox veteran Kevin LaChapelle laid off after 37 years as Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs

Microsoft has recently made the difficult decision to lay off about 4,800 employees across various departments. Among those affected is Kevin LaChapelle, an Xbox veteran of 37 years, who shared his appreciation for his career. He acknowledged the evolving landscape of job security and was essential in contributing to Xbox Backward Compatibility and Cloud Gaming. His exit reflects the tech sector's pivot towards emerging priorities such as artificial intelligence.

Microsoft aims for growth by 2027 amid poor performance in 2026, losing 19% of its stock value. The company is cutting 4,800 jobs, including notable Xbox VP Kevin LaChapelle. 

Kevin LaChapelle, a senior Xbox executive who spent nearly four decades at Microsoft, has confirmed that he was among those let go in the company's latest round of layoffs. Microsoft recently announced cuts of around 3,200 jobs across its Xbox division, with roughly 1,600 employees losing their jobs immediately and the rest of the layoffs expected to unfold through 2027. LaChapelle's exit shows that the restructuring has reached even senior leadership at the company.'I wish the team nothing but success': LaChapelle's messageAfter losing his job, LaChapelle posted a reflective message on LinkedIn looking back at his career at Microsoft and thanking those who supported him along the way. He wrote that he was adding his name to the list of people laid off that day at Xbox, noting that it brought an end to his 37 years at the company. He said he had worked across several different parts of Microsoft over the years, but that his fondest memories came from leading the team of engineers behind the Xbox Backward Compatibility program, recalling the moment it was announced on stage at E3 2015 and the reaction it drew from the audience.Xbox Announces 3,200 Job Cuts, 1,600 Employees To Be Eliminated Immediately: All Details"I look forward to watching how Xbox evolves going forward and I wish the team nothing but success," he said.LaChapelle went on to describe leading the team that built Xbox's Cloud Gaming product, saying he believes all entertainment will eventually move to streaming. He said he was looking forward to seeing how Xbox evolves going forward and wished the team continued success. He closed his post by thanking Kareem Choudhry, calling him the best manager he had at Microsoft and someone he considers a good friend. LaChapelle had joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software engineer before moving into several leadership roles over his career, most recently at Xbox. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced job cutsXbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced what she called the most significant restructuring in the gaming division's history, informing employees that the company will cut its workforce by approximately 3,200 roles through fiscal year 2027. The reset arrives at a console giant caught between falling margins and a hardware crisis it can no longer outrun.The changes will affect Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard and other teams, while four studios will move under new ownership.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs, including 3,200 across Xbox. Veteran executive Kevin LaChapelle is among those laid off as the company restructures its gaming business following slower-than-expected growth.