Microsoft intends to lay off around 10,000 employees, with the Xbox and Bethesda gaming division also subject to staff cuts.
Xbox head Phil Spencer has been in no hurry to comment publicly on the layoffs, but Kotaku journalists obtained an internal email that he sent to staff across Xbox and Bethesda studios.
Phil Spencer wrote: “This has been a challenging moment in our business, and the actions this week were painful choices. The Gaming Leadership Team had to make decisions that we felt set us up for the long-term success of our products and business, but the results of those decisions [for each of you individually] are felt right now. I know that hurts. Thank you for supporting your colleagues amid these changes”.
Phil Spencer noted that leadership is trying to be more transparent, and employees always have the opportunity to reach out with questions.
A Kotaku source reported being unimpressed by the Xbox head’s statement: “This feels like something you send out of obligation [, as a leader]. I highly doubt that all these monthly all-hands or other meetings will do anything to make [the situation] better”.