Microsoft Denies H-1B Visa Claims Behind Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft has officially denied claims that foreign-worker visa approvals played a role in its substantial Xbox workforce reduction, which includes 1,600 immediate layoffs and will reach approximately 3,200 total across the coming year. Communications leader Frank X. Shaw characterised reports linking the cuts to H-1B visa usage as inaccurate, directly addressing what he termed "bad information" circulating about the decision's underlying motivation.
The H-1B visa figures that fuelled speculation were actually part of Microsoft's broader company-wide renewal processes rather than new visa approvals for replacement hires, according to the company's clarification. id Software, which develops the Doom and Quake franchises under Xbox's umbrella, reaffirmed its commitment to creating quality games despite the personnel reductions affecting the studio.
- Microsoft denies foreign-worker visas drove Xbox layoffs affecting thousands of employees
- H-1B figures cited represent company-wide renewals, not new hires to replace departing workers
- id Software pledges continued game development amid studio cuts
Coverage
- GameSpot — Microsoft Refutes Notion That Foreign-Worker Visas Were Behind Mass Xbox Layoffs
- GamesRadar+ — Microsoft comms lead says Xbox layoffs “were not made to replace employees with foreign workers” in response to “bad information”
- Polygon — Doom studio id Software responds to Xbox layoffs reports