Microsoft Offers Buyouts to Half of Its Workforce as Cuts Continue

Xbox has become infamous in the industry when it comes to layoffs. More so than any other massive gaming corporation, the console developers have sliced through their staff with record numbers, putting up stats previously unforeseen until this year. Aiming to keep costs down, their methods seem to have shifted a bit.

As reported by The Seattle Times, Microsoft is now offering over a quarter of its staff buyouts, allowing them to jump ship for a lump sum, a larger plan to cut costs. This practice works identically to layoffs in all but name, at least offering newly jobless staff a small bonus to land on their feet. With XBOX's reputation finally slowly recovering, these wider Microsoft plays cast a shadow over the recent successes of the company as a whole.

Cutting Out the Little Guy

XBOX's struggle to reclaim a niche in the gaming space has been well documented over the last console generation, with their attempts at opening up cloud gaming and removing XBOX from any one console backfiring. When people think of an XBOX, they want a console they can play, and it feels like Microsoft is only now remembering that fact.

In turn, the company has shown a willingness to take economic hits to gain public favor back, as shown with the costly development of the newest Gears of War, which still launched Xbox only on the console front. With an alleged almost $400 million loss on E-Day, it seemed obvious something would have to give, but a pure cull of staff seems shortsighted.

With XBOX's reputation finally slowly recovering, these larger Microsoft plays are likely to curb their recent good graces.

Not even longtime staff are safe, with massive names cut from the company. This most recent call for buyouts comes from the larger Microsoft parent company specifically, so while it can't be blamed directly on XBOX, the gaming division is likely to take collateral damage.

With near-constant news of layoffs and closures, XBOX has made it difficult to sit firmly in their corner, even with strides being made by the newer senior staff to earn back player trust. Things were bound to get worse before they could improve, but that doesn't mean the public can or should just sweep it under the rug.

Microsoft as a whole is taking a major hit both internally and externally, and Xbox will need some next-level help if they want to begin approaching their old public reputation, even if Sony isn't far behind in missteps.

Eyes on the Future

Gaming has evolved away from just the big three companies, and while XBOX, Sony, and Nintendo will probably always be relevant in the space, there are countless games, series, and experiences to enjoy without interacting with any of them if you're fed up with their recent policies.

As players, the most power each individual has is in their voice and their wallet, with public outcry and sales acting as the only two methods that really get through to big executives. Community initiatives have done wonders recently, granting second chances to industry-defining titles that were thought completely lost.

In turn, a company needs to focus on cash, and while that means plenty are more than willing to carve up their staff, they still need to respect the whims of the consumer. Following these layoffs and closures can be incredibly draining, and sometimes you just need to let your head come above water and take a breath. There's no reason for doom and gloom when there's still so much to do.

Date Founded April 4, 1975 CEO Satya Nadella Subsidiaries activision blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Mojang Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox Game Studios Consoles Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series X|S