Microsoft joins a growing list of technology companies that have cut workforce as early as 2024. After recently achieving a market capitalization of $3 trillion, the Redmond-based tech giant has made an official announcement regarding the impending layoff of 1,900 employees from its Activision. Blizzard and Xbox divisions. These layoffs are expected to take effect this week.

These layoffs, confirmed by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer in an internal memo, represent an 8 to 9 percent reduction in the total workforce in the company’s gaming division, which currently employs a total of 22,000 individuals.

Spencer says this is part of “aligning on a strategy” and “planning with a sustainable cost structure” following the Activision Blizzard acquisition three months ago. “Together, we have set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and made sure we are all aligned on the best growth opportunities,” Spencer said.

Spencer further claimed that the company will provide severance benefits to affected employees in accordance with applicable local employment laws, and that it will inform the same soon.

Along with the layoffs, Blizzard President Mike Ybarra will also be leaving the tech giant. “As many of you know, Mike previously spent more than 20 years at Microsoft. Now that he has overseen the acquisition as president of Blizzard, he has decided to leave the company,” said Matt Booty, Microsoft’s president of game content and studios.

That being said, Microsoft has joined the ranks of tech giants like Google, Amazon, Duolingo and TikTok in implementing workforce cuts in the year 2024, all happening within a short period of around 20-25 days. Is. Notably, Microsoft’s action comes shortly after the completion of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which is valued at $68.7 billion.