Microsoft announces more trimming and altering as a part of layoffs plan.
Software giant Microsoft is planning to shut down its Xbox Entertainment Studio. The recent move is a part of its layoff and restructuring plans. Microsoft also announced that it is planning to eliminate 18,000 jobs over the next year.
President Nancy Tellem, of Xbox Entertainment Studios and Ex CBS TV Studio Head and Executive Vice President – Jordan Levin – will remain committed to the new and original programming already in production. Phil Spencer, the Division Head said that the studio shutting is a part of the Xbox plan to streamline a handful of portfolio and engineering development efforts.
The ones which will not be affected are the programs which are already in development. Spencer added, “Xbox will continue to support and deliver interactive sports content like ‘NFL on Xbox,’ and we will continue to enhance our entertainment offering on console by innovating the TV experience through the monthly console updates”. Nothing has been mentioned on how many employees will be affected.
On the other hand, CEO Microsoft Satya Nadella said that the 12,500 layoffs which will be in effect from 2015 would mainly affect professional and factory positions. This will be a part of its $7.2 billion acquisition of Nokia’s handset business that the company closed in April.
