Microsoft Lays Off 10,000 Employees; Will Affect 343 Industries and Bethesda Game Studios

After reports earlier this week, Bloomberg has confirmed that Microsoft will lay off around 10,000 employees, including 343 Industries, the studio behind "Halo Infinite" and the Halo franchise, and Bethesda Game Studios, the studio behind the upcoming exclusive "Starfield" and the "Elder Scrolls" and "Fallout" franchises.

Jason Schrier reported that some of these people were veterans at Xbox. 343 Industries seemed to be hit the hardest. With multiple divisions of the studio being restructured and eliminated. One of these divisions was apparently the campaign team. It remains to be seen how this will affect future content. Schrier also reported that Joe Staten will also be leaving 343 Industries to rejoin his role back at Xbox Publishing. He joined 343 in 2020 to help get "Halo Infinite" on track for release.

Zenimax Media, also saw multiple layoffs across its multiple companies, with Bethesda Game Studios having the most. The studio is set to release "Starfield" exclusively for Xbox later this year. It is unclear it the firings will have any effect on the development and launch of the title. Microsoft purchased the gaming company in 2021 for $7.5 billion.