Microsoft Gaming Division Announces 277 Layoffs Amid Shift to Digital Platforms
Microsoft's gaming division has announced another round of layoffs in Washington state, this time affecting 277 jobs. The cuts are part of a global effort to streamline the company and return its games division to growth and profitability.
The affected positions include art, game production, technical art, audio design, and software engineering roles, mostly based in Redmond, WA. This is not an isolated incident, as Microsoft cut 605 workers in WA in July of this year, part of a global reduction of 4,800 jobs.
Industry experts point to the decline of major leading titles, or AAA games, which have seen a significant drop in sales and players. As a result, companies like Microsoft are shifting focus to digital gaming platforms and subscription game plans, where growth is being seen.