Xbox workers speak out about layoffs, AI, and how big tech brought a crisis to gaming

On July 6th, Microsoft announced that it was laying off 4,800 workers, largely from its Xbox gaming division. It’s now sadly routine in the tech industry; thousands of jobs gone in an instant, with little more than a corporate memo and some platitudes about AI. 

To better understand what actually happens behind the scenes in a big tech layoff event, and to understand the particular crisis faced by the gaming industry, this week I sat down with three Microsoft workers for a special edition of Blood in the Machine. Two of these workers have been impacted by the layoffs, one saw longtime friends lose their jobs. All three are fighting back. This is how.

Brian’s info

Blood in the Machine: The Newsletter

Brian’s Bluesky

Articles discussed

Microsoft to cut 4,800 jobs, overhaul Xbox unit

- Reuters 

Union Video Game Workers Fight for Rights Amidst Xbox Layoffs

 - CWA 

Hundreds rally at Bethesda HQ to protest Xbox layoffs, and Ars was there - Ars Technica

End studio closures and stop the cycle of layoffs. - XBOX Player Voice (Archived)