Phil Spencer admits Xbox layoffs were ‘painful choices’

Xbox boss Phil Spencer addressed Xbox employees across the company, admitting it had been a “difficult week” and that while “this week’s actions were painful choices,” it “defined. [Xbox] for the long-term success of our products and business.”

The letter, shared by Kotaku, follows Microsoft’s massive round of 10,000 layoffs that has affected several Xbox studios, including Halo studio 343 Industries.

“It’s been a tough week for Microsoft, and here within our teams. Now that most of the 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.

“This is a difficult time in our business and this week’s actions were unfortunate choices. The Game Leadership Team (GLT) had to make decisions that we felt set us up for the long-term success of our product and business, but the individual The results of those decisions are real. I know it hurts. Thank you for supporting our partners as they develop these changes.

“We’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach out and answer your questions over the coming weeks, including next week’s Monthly Match Update for teams participating in that matchup, and I’m in close contact with the ZeniMax teams to provide support.” adds Spencer. GLT and I are committed to being as transparent as possible. Moving forward with uncertainty is difficult, but I am confident that together we will overcome this difficult time in time.

“Xbox has a long history of success because of the work you do serving players, creators and each other,” the message concluded. “Your work is so deeply appreciated and valued during this time of change and is integral to the momentum of our business. I am confident in our future and I am proud to be part of this team, but I also realize that this is a difficult time and I want to: thank you for all you do here.”

Microsoft previously cut “hundreds” of jobs in October last year, including some team members working in the company’s Xbox division. The cuts come ahead of Microsoft’s next earnings call on January 24.