Xbox layoffs are once again the subject of widespread speculation after industry veteran George Broussard claimed Microsoft could be preparing for what may become the largest single layoff event in gaming history.
In a series of posts on social media, Broussard said he had received information from internal sources regarding Microsoft’s reported restructuring plans, while stressing that the information had not been officially confirmed.
“jfc, I just got word of a list of Xbox studio closures (no, not posting them). If it’s even close to true (and it’s from inside) this will likely be the largest single layoff event in gaming history,” Broussard wrote.
He continued, “Xbox is going to be supremely unpopular for a very long time and the devastation is going to reverberate like the meteor that took out the dinosaurs.”
Broussard also claimed that layoffs would extend beyond any studios that might be closed.
“On top of all that there will also be layoffs at the studios that remain.”
In an earlier post, Broussard referenced reports that Microsoft was expected to finalise Xbox layoff decisions by June 30, with cuts potentially beginning on July 6. He cautioned, however, that the information was unverified.
“Unverified. Treat as rumor pending official confirmation,” he wrote.
The reported timing has drawn attention because Microsoft’s fiscal year ends on June 30, a period that has historically coincided with corporate restructuring. Last year, Microsoft announced approximately 9,000 job cuts across the company during July.
