Media: Upcoming layoffs at XBOX could serve as an opportunity to let go of problematic employees
Recently, media outlets reported that in July, Microsoft's gaming division plans to conduct mass layoffs. In anticipation of this, several former XBOX employees told the portal Game Developer that there is a significant likelihood that top managers will use the layoffs for "revenge" against workers.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
Interviewees from Game Developer accused the leadership of certain XBOX studios of being vindictive. They stated that layoffs for settling scores have occurred several times in the past—if, for some reason, an employee started filing complaints against management with HR or requested improved working conditions, they quickly became candidates for removal from the team. They did not specify which studios experienced this.
In particular, one former XBOX employee shared that he himself once suffered due to management's bias. He claims he was caught in a major layoff after testifying against a manager who insulted subordinates during meetings. It is assumed that this same manager eventually suggested adding the developer to the layoff list.
Among the respondents to Game Developer was Glenn Israel—former art director of Halo Studios, who criticized the studio's management publicly in the spring. He confirmed that the July layoffs at XBOX could indeed be used to get rid of employees who stand up for their rights and advised them to document all evidence.