January 28th 2024.
It's no secret that Xbox has been facing some major backlash lately, and it's a problem they have brought upon themselves. As a reader, I am beyond upset with the recent layoffs at Xbox and have made the decision to never touch an Xbox console again. The frustration I feel towards Phil Spencer and other executives is immeasurable.
I recently came across a Reader's Feature discussing the biased treatment of Xbox in the media. While I have never really felt this way, I appreciated the fact that Metro published the article and it was eye-opening to see how Xbox fans feel they are being treated unfairly. The writer gave valid examples of Xbox receiving negative press, but I still found flaws in their argument. Especially in light of recent events, where Microsoft has made some questionable decisions.
In case you missed it, Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees across Xbox Gaming, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard. Entire departments were gutted, and even Call Of Duty developers were greatly impacted. To make matters worse, a new game at Blizzard was completely cancelled after six years of hard work. And the reason for all of this? Nobody really knows. Microsoft has stayed silent on the matter, and the leaked memos are filled with vague explanations and corporate jargon. It seems that they made this move to prove to investors that their recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion was a sound decision, and to show that they can still cut costs.
It's truly disgusting. Especially when you consider that the majority of these job losses are in the US, where worker protections are minimal and many will struggle to find employment during a time of rising living costs. And with other publishers also making cuts, there will be thousands of people competing for the same few job opportunities.
I also came across an interesting article about an indie publisher discussing job losses last year, which highlighted just how little publishers care about their employees. Do they truly believe that their overpaid executives are the reason for their success, or is it because of the amazing games that the developers - who are now being discarded like yesterday's leftovers - create for us?
It's shocking to know that Xbox boss Phil Spencer makes $10 million a year. For what exactly? In the decade that he's been in charge, there have been no significant new franchises and none of the games released during his tenure have become acknowledged classics or must-play titles. He's done nothing but talk for the past ten years, and now he's responsible for the largest layoff in gaming history. And the worst part? There is no given reason for it.
I have officially washed my hands of Xbox. While I do own an Xbox Series S, I will be giving it to my nephew or selling it, because I want no part in supporting this company. It was bad enough when they were buying up other companies, trying to outspend Sony to gain an edge - which they openly admitted in court. Then there was all the deceit surrounding whether Bethesda games would be exclusive, the ridiculous claim of having 150 million players for Call Of Duty, and the incredibly arrogant email expressing interest in buying Nintendo.
Would they have bought Nintendo and then laid off 30% of their staff, some of whom have been with the company for over 40 years? You can bet your bottom dollar they would. It's all just business to them, with no regard for the human impact or consequences. They're following a corporate playbook and only care about their yearly bonuses.
Phil Spencer may try to portray himself as a gamer, but he's ultimately a businessman with no morals or conscience. I will not support him or anyone else at Xbox, and I am pleased to see that both Sony and Nintendo have once again outperformed them. I hope that all the staff - those who have already been let go, and those who now live in fear - find new jobs at companies that treat their employees with respect and value their contributions.
By reader Taylor Moon
When Nintendo was at an extremely low point, Iwata said something we haven't really seen since. pic.twitter.com/hlR4Yhv4QH
- Stealth January 25, 2024
The opinions expressed in this reader's feature do not necessarily reflect those of GameCentral or Metro.
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