The San Francisco Chronicle has reported on the details of the Microsoft Gaming Department’s layoff of 1,900 employees. Microsoft has submitted documents to state agencies in California regarding this matter.
They have released 86 employees in Novato and closed the office in that city. Additionally, 76 employees were let go in Foster City.
The interesting case is that of Foster City, which was the office of Sledgehammer Games, one of the studios responsible for the main installment of the Call of Duty series. There had been previous news regarding layoffs at this office. However, the most intriguing situation arises in Novato, where the office of Toys for Bob, a subsidiary of Activision, can be found. This studio is responsible for the Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Skylanders game series (later being involved in the development of Call of Duty Warzone). This raises questions about the fate of Toys for Bob – whether the office will be closed entirely or if employees will be allowed to telecommute from elsewhere. There is no official answer to this question yet.
TL;DR: Microsoft’s Gaming Department has laid off 1,900 employees, including the closure of offices in Novato and Foster City. The fate of Toys for Bob, responsible for popular game series such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, remains uncertain.
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