Xbox is in the middle of what it’s calling a “reset” as it looks to course correct years of expansion and fan disappointment. Part of that reset includes thousands of layoffs, studio mergers, and outright closures or divestitures across all properties.
The latest saw Rare and World’s Edge be placed under Activision, Obsidian move under Bethesda, and another 268 jobs cut. But despite the messaging being made publicly available by Xbox, those inside the company view things a bit differently.
Xbox Doesn’t “Have A Clear Vision”
Speaking with Aftermath following the latest cuts, a current id Software employee didn’t hold back their thoughts on the internal happenings at Xbox. While they appreciated the attempt to talk with the studios, it doesn’t come across as genuine, with things still being “very chaotic” behind the scenes.
“While there has been an attempt to communicate to the studios, it is still entirely in bullshit corporate speak,” the employee told Aftermath. “I still don’t believe they have a clear vision for the future.
“The only concrete thing they have communicated is they want higher profits, and they want it now. Aggressive goals are being set that would have been unrealistic even before the layoffs. … To say the workers within Xbox have a dim view of the future is putting it mildly. We keep thinking morale can’t sink lower but the obvious incompetence of Xbox management somehow keeps driving it down worse.”
The employee’s thoughts line up with what Insider Gaming sources have said regarding the state of Xbox. It’s been said that there’s a feeling of needing to “walk on eggshells” during this time, though even that might not be enough to stay employed.
“It’s clear that it doesn’t matter who you are, how long you’ve been there, or the work you’ve done,” one source said. “There doesn’t really seem to be a rhyme or reason behind who stays and who goes other than, maybe, salary.”
Xbox is expected to continue its layoffs in the coming months, though they might not be the full 3,200 that was said over the summer.
What do you think of the internal feelings among some employees within Xbox right now? Let us know down in the comments and in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other news, read about World’s Edge’s next game being cancelled amid the latest layoffs and reorganization. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
More from Mike Straw
Comments