Earlier this week we heard about Microsoft’s announcement that 4.5% of the workforce would be forced to leave the company, and the Xbox division was obviously affected by it as well. Among the 10,000, the majority from both 343 Industries and Bethesta Game Studios were affected. Something Phil Spencer commented on in an internal e-mail that went out to all employees and which has now also been leaked online. In the message, he expressed how incredibly painful and difficult the decision was and how grateful he was for everyone’s continued work.
“This has been a difficult week across Microsoft, and here, inside our teams,” he wrote. “Now that many of the 1:1 and team conversations have happened, I want to take a moment to reiterate the message that you heard from your leaders.
“This is a challenging moment in our business, and this week’s actions 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 individual results of those decisions are real. I know that hurts. Thank you for supporting our colleagues as they process these changes.”
“Over the coming weeks we will have many opportunities to connect and answer your questions, including the Monthly Gaming Update next week for teams who attend that meeting, and I am in close contact with teams at ZeniMax to provide support.”
“The GLT and I are committed to being as transparent as we can. Moving forward with ambiguity is challenging, but I am confident that together, we will get through this difficult moment in time.”
“Xbox has a long history of success thanks to the work you do in service of players, creators, and each other. Your work is so deeply appreciated and valued in these times of change and is integral to our business momentum.”
“I am confident in our future and proud to be part of this team, but also conscious that this is a challenging time and I want to thank you for everything you do here.”
According to information from Business Insider should Microsoft have focused on staff they considered not working enough or not producing a good enough result.
Source: VGC
