Microsoft Is Undermining Activision's Independence With Latest Layoffs, FTC Says
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has criticized Microsoft's layoff plan of 1,900 employees within its Xbox division, including Activision Blizzard employees, stating that it contradicts how Microsoft represented itself in the buyout proceedings.
The FTC is seeking to temporarily pause the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard buyout until it can review the deal on antitrust grounds. [ more ]
Microsoft Is Cutting 1,900 Jobs From Its Video Game Division
Microsoft's video game division will lay off 1,900 employees as part of a cost-cutting measure.
The layoffs come after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and are intended to align the company's gaming division with a sustainable cost structure. [ more ]
Microsoft Cuts Nearly 2,000 Video Game Workers' Jobs
Nearly 2,000 employees at Microsoft, specifically in the gaming workforce, have been let go.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer called this a 'painful decision' and highlighted the company's commitment to growing the business and bringing more games to more people. [ more ]
World of Warcraft's 20th-anniversary party, BlizzCon, cancelled due to ownership change, speculation on Microsoft's impact on future events and games. [ more ]
Ubisoft Says Xbox Games Going Multiplatform Wouldn't Make A Huge Impact
Microsoft may take its games multiplatform in the future, but Ubisoft's CEO says it won't have a significant impact on the industry.
Activision Blizzard's multiplatform games would already have prepared the gaming industry for Microsoft's potential move to make its games multiplatform. [ more ]
Former Call of Duty boss is now in charge of Blizzard, and she knows what she's walking into
Johanna Faries has been appointed as the head of Blizzard Entertainment, after previously working as the chief of the Call of Duty franchise at Activision.
Faries is the first Blizzard boss appointed after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. [ more ]