Microsoft lays off another 650 from gaming division | TechCrunch

Microsoft is laying off around 650 employees from its gaming division, according to an internal memo shared online by IGN. The latest cuts come eight months after the company laid off 1,900 in its gaming division, following its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. 

In Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s memo to staff, he notes that the new cuts are also related to the acquisition. 

“As part of aligning our post-acquisition team structure and managing our business, we have made the decision to eliminate approximately 650 roles across Microsoft Gaming — mostly corporate and supporting functions — to organize our business for long term success,” the memo reads.

Spencer makes it clear that no games, devices, or experiences are being canceled, and that no studios are being closed. Following the last round of layoffs, Microsoft closed several game studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin.

Microsoft has not responded to TechCrunch’s request for comment.