Microsoft Implements Strategic Layoffs Across Multiple Divisions, Including Gaming

Microsoft has allegedly conducted another round of layoffs, this time impacting a “small” number of employees across its security, reporting and devices, sales, and gaming sectors.

This is according to Business Insider, which – referencing “sources familiar with the situation” – states that affected employees were informed about the layoffs on Tuesday. A Microsoft representative mentioned to the publication that a “small” number of job reductions had occurred, but did not provide an exact figure. It was also noted that this action was not connected to recent layoffs targeting underperforming employees.

This announcement follows various rounds of layoffs at Microsoft throughout the past year. In January 2024, the company declared it was eliminating 1900 positions within its gaming sector, and an additional 650 positions were cut in September. Eurogamer reports that Microsoft’s recent layoffs have affected a small number of gaming staff, although this division was not primarily a focus.

In response to a request for comment on Business Insider’s report, a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer, “Organizational and workforce changes are an essential and typical aspect of managing our operations. We will keep focusing on and investing in strategic growth areas for our future and in support of our customers and partners.”

The latest layoffs at Microsoft signify a challenging 2024 for the gaming industry, in which around 13,000