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Microsoft CEO says ‘streamlining’ of Xbox business is ‘great to see’
Video Games Chronicle • • technology
Key Points:
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed strong confidence in Xbox’s current studios and intellectual properties, praising recent business "streamlining" efforts led by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
- Nadella highlighted the goal of returning Xbox to growth by focusing on major game franchises and developing sustainable business models to expand gaming access across PCs and Xbox platforms.
- The comments come amid significant layoffs within Xbox, with around 3,200 jobs cut this year, including major reductions at Halo Studios and the transfer of key IPs like Halo to Activision and Rare to other divisions.
- Several studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs, have exited Microsoft ownership, while others like Ninja Theory face potential closure and Arkane remains up for sale.
- Industry veteran Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine, criticized the gaming industry's economic model during a BBC interview, attributing ongoing instability and layoffs partly to corporate greed.
