Derek’s love of games came at an early age when his parents first brought home the Nintendo Entertainment System. From then on, countless nights were spent hunting ducks, stomping turtles, exploring far off planets, and combing through dungeons with a trusty sword and shield. Originally growing up exclusively with Nintendo products, Derek’s perspective grew to include other platforms ranging from Sony, to Microsoft, the PC, and more. As his views and opinions grew, so did the desire to connect with other players and video game fans. In 2011, his writing adventure began on his personal blog, eventually joining up with the GameRant crew in 2015. He currently covers everything from features and guides, to the latest breaking video game news.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the long-rumored layoffs taking place at the company in a new letter to the team, reducing staff by 15,000 employees to a total of 3,200 by fiscal year 2027. In addition to the job cuts, Microsoft is also cutting ties with four Xbox studios, while working with the French government on the future of Arkane. It’s a dark day at Microsoft, one that Sharma calls “painful” and “difficult.”
Rumors have been swirling since the beginning of June about plans for a significant layoff event at Xbox as Asha Sharma attempted to stop the bleeding that has been happening with the brand. Coming off a well-received Xbox Games Showcase, which appeared to show a renewed excitement and purpose for the brand, recent news has been much less than positive. With plans for an overhaul and a restructuring to rebuild the company’s infrastructure and profit margin, there has been no shortage of questions regarding the upcoming changes, studio closures, and potential layoffs in the weeks since.
Xbox May End Physical Disc Support
Following PlayStation’s announcement about ending support for physical discs, Xbox may be considering doing the same thing.
Xbox Cutting 3200 Jobs
Following all the rumors and leaks regarding Xbox studio closures, official word has finally come from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma herself. In a new message to staff, which was officially posted online for transparency, Sharma confirmed that approximately 3,200 jobs will be reduced by fiscal year 2027. As of July 6, 2026, a total of 1,600 will be eliminated and four studios will be leaving Xbox management. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are returning to independence, while Undead Labs and Ninja Theory have “entered terms to join new ownership with funding.” Microsoft is also working with the French government regarding the future of Arkane Studios and its current in-development title, Marvel’s Blade.
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