Despite initial positive reports surrounding Asha Sharma’s early tenure at Xbox, aimed at rebuilding trust in the brand, more concerning developments may be on the horizon. GamingBolt has highlighted a rumor originating from Blind, described as an ‘anonymous forum for professionals.’ Within this forum, an individual claiming to be from Activision Blizzard has asserted that massive layoffs are imminent within Microsoft’s gaming division.
Microsoft has recently implemented a halt on all new hiring, a common precursor to workforce reductions. If this rumor holds true, it could affect a staggering 15% of the staff. While this information remains entirely unconfirmed, its veracity would signify a major setback and could potentially lead to the closure of studios.
This difficult news is anticipated to be announced on either May 6th or June 5th. The ambiguity in the date stems from uncertainty regarding the source’s geographical location (American or elsewhere), which influences date formatting. Until then, we can only wait and hope that this is merely a hoax.
English Translation:
Rumor: Microsoft is Preparing a Brutal Series of Layoffs for Xbox
Thus far, all reports from the early days of Asha Sharma’s leadership at Xbox have been positive, indicating a desire to restore confidence in the brand. However, more troubling developments may be on the horizon. GamingBolt is drawing attention to a rumor posted on Blind, an ‘anonymous forum for professionals.’ Within this forum, someone claiming to be from Activision Blizzard states that massive layoffs are coming to Microsoft’s gaming division.
Microsoft has recently stopped all new hiring, which is a common practice before layoffs. Apparently, this could affect a stunning 15% of the workforce. The information is absolutely unconfirmed, but if true, it represents a major setback and could even lead to the closure of studios.
This bitter pill is expected to be announced either on May 6th or June 5th (we are unsure if the source is American or from another part of the world, which influences how dates are written). With that said, all we can do is wait and see – hoping that all of this is just a hoax.