Meanwhile, it has already thrown out $69 billion for its purchase of Activision Blizzard in 2022. It's reduced software engineering staff by nearly half, with 800 cut out of 1,985 positions. Microsoft's gaming division has been particularly hit hard as well, with many studio closures and game development cancellations over the last two years. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer sent the following to staff regarding the latest round of staff reductions and reorganization. Per Phil Spencer (via IGN ): "Today we are sharing decisions that will impact colleagues across our organization. To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft's lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness. Out of respect for those impacted today, the specifics of today's notifications and any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.