Microsoft is shutting down Xbox Entertainment Studios, the division that was set to take over the living room of every Xbox One owner. The Santa Monica studio will be shut to allow Microsoft to focus on strengthening its core videogame business. The cuts will affect the majority of the staff that work at the Xbox Entertainment’s studios with the exception of executives Tellem and Jordan Levin along with other members of the team who will remain to work on original programs that are already in production, such as the upcoming documentary series “Signal to Noise†and “Halo: Nightfall.†The “Halo†television series which will continue as planned, according to Phil Spencer. These cuts are part of Microsoft’s company-wide restructuring, which will mean over 18,000 jobs will be lost in the next 12 months. However the Xbox One will remain part of the Microsoft franchise according to Chief Executive Satya Nadella in a recent memo to Microsoft staff. “We are fortunate to have Xbox in our family to go after this opportunity with unique and bold innovation. Microsoft will continue to vigorously innovate and delight gamers with Xbox.†said Nadella. Xbox Entertainment Studios failed to deliver the entertainment content that they promised. According to sources the team behind the living room domination were disorganized and didn't have a real business model, so it stands to reason that it would be axed. Phil Spencer has stated the company 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,†Spencer said. “Additionally, our app partnerships with world-class content providers bringing entertainment, sports and TV content to Xbox customers around the world are not impacted by this organizational change.†This isn't all doom and gloom for the Xbox One as many are claiming, but in fact could be seen as a positive turning point for the console. With less focus on entertainment based content and more focus on games this could turn out very nice for us loyal Xbox One fans.
sombody wanted profits so bad that they fired 18,000 people so they can save that money and give to share holders....maybe?
I have to agree with Deeked here. Not to make a major political statement about this or anything; it's still a gaming forum & not a political convention. But, there's a bigger picture that goes above Microsoft here; and it's all around us here in the United States. All around me as well. Even the company that I work with, a business that has been running for 18 years now, at this moment in time is at it's worse! Workforce is down 40%; profits & bonuses are a thing of the past. Just 7 years ago we were a completely different story. We used to boast the bonuses we would give out at Christmas to the deserving. Either way, the true loss is for the 18,000 who just lost a job. Probably some people I know in Seattle (where I used to live). It's everywhere you look now; corner of the street; the big building or offices in downtown; your next door neighbor; your own colleague. No one is spared. Can't help but repeat Deeked words here; much agreed: Hope and Change. Another 18,000 jobs lost.
