Microsoft Axes Hundreds More Gaming Employees in WA Layoffs
Microsoft has announced another round of layoffs in Washington state, affecting hundreds of employees. This comes just two months after the company laid off 4,800 gaming and sales team employees worldwide, including 605 in Washington.
The latest layoffs are part of Microsoft's efforts to reset its gaming division, which is undergoing a hard reset under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Sharma has been working on a turnaround plan for the division since taking over from Phil Spencer in February.
According to the company, about 300 Washington-based employees will be let go as part of the layoffs. This includes 268 gaming employees across the company. The move is seen as part of Microsoft's efforts to keep a ceiling on its headcount, which swelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Microsoft laid off 15,000 employees worldwide, including 3,202 in Washington state. The company has also offered a voluntary retirement program to about 8,750 employees in June, with about 30% taking the offer.