Media Reports: Layoffs at Microsoft to Affect Teams for Warcraft Rumble and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
On September 12, it was reported that Microsoft's gaming division is preparing to lay off 650 people. According to journalist Stephen Totilo from Game File, among those affected will be employees working on the mobile games Warcraft Rumble and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile — on the left, Warcraft Rumble — on the right
Despite the layoffs, Totilo notes that the games themselves are not planned to be shut down. However, the focus on them won't be as active.
According to Totilo's source, the layoffs in the Warcraft Rumble and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile teams are not related to the corporate reshuffling following the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The reason is that the games did not meet management's expectations. Moreover, Microsoft is trying to adapt to the increasingly challenging mobile market, where it's become harder to achieve success even with games based on well-known franchises.
According to AppMagic, since its release in November 2023, Warcraft Rumble has earned $42.4 million from IAP. The revenue for Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, released in March 2024, is $12.3 million. Both amounts are after deducting store commissions and taxes.
