Microsoft has again carried out large-scale layoffs, this time affecting the gaming division, including the Xbox team as part of the cost efficiency efforts being carried out by the giant technology company.
As reported by Engadget on Thursday, Microsoft announced that it would cut around 9,000 employees, in addition to the three percent of the global workforce that was previously laid off last summer.
Among the units affected is King's Stockholm division, known for the popular game "Candy Crush," which is cutting about 10 percent of its staff, or about 200 employees. Several other European gaming offices are doing the same, while the U.S. unit is said to be updated on the same day.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer sent an email to all Microsoft gaming employees explaining the decision. In his message, Spencer said the move comes despite the industry being in a boom with players and playtime increasing dramatically.