In recent news, Microsoft has announced plans to lay off 10,000 of its employees between now and June 30, 2023. This news has come as a shock to many, especially those within the Xbox gaming division and its developers, who have been hit hard by these cuts. Among the affected studios is 343 Industries, the developer behind the highly-anticipated game Halo Infinite.
According to industry sources, over 60 employees were laid off from 343 Industries, with the studio's campaign team being affected significantly. This news comes as a disappointment to many Halo fans, as the latest game from the developer has struggled to support its free-to-play live service model with a steady stream of content and adequate solutions for the title's technical issues.
In the wake of the recent layoffs, multiple former 343 Industries employees have come forward with scathing criticisms of Microsoft's leadership and management policies. They argue that both Halo Infinite and 343 Industries would be in better positions were it not for "incompetent leadership."
Respawn's Patrick Wren, who worked at 343 Industries on Halo Infinite as Senior Multiplayer Designer, commented on the layoffs, saying "The layoffs at 343 shouldn't have happened and Halo Infinite should be in a better state. The reason for both of those things is incompetent leadership up top during Halo Infinite development causing massive stress on those working hard to make Halo the best it can be." He went on to say that "The people I worked every day with were passionate about Halo and wanted to make something great for the fans. They helped push for a better Halo and got laid off for it."
Another Halo developer, Tyler Owens, now working on Apex Legends at Respawn, also expressed frustration at management, saying "As a Halo fan I'm really tired of Microsoft business practices & policies slowly killing the thing I love. Between the contracting policies they abuse for tax incentives & layoffs in the face of gigantic profits/executive bonuses...they set Halo up for failure."
Many former 343 Industries employees have also pointed to the company's heavy reliance on contractors and its treatment of them as a major issue. Nicholas Bird, a former developer that worked on Halo Infinite, commented on this, saying "Don't forget the heavy reliance on contractors/vendors and that messed up system (though I know that's more MS). I would have loved to stay on the team if I could of [have] and worked my way up. Still one of my favourite jobs I have been at."
The layoffs at Microsoft come after the company reported $198 billion in 2022 revenue and as it continues its efforts to acquire Activision-Blizzard for $69 billion. This news is especially concerning in light of the volatile economic conditions and the looming recession. Major tech firms such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta have also laid off thousands of workers.
It's clear that Microsoft's recent round of layoffs has hit 343 Industries and the Halo franchise hard. The criticisms from former employees about the company's leadership and management policies, as well as its treatment of contractors, raise important questions about the future of the studio and the beloved Halo franchise. As Halo fans, we can only hope that Microsoft will take these criticisms to heart and make the necessary changes to ensure that the franchise and its dedicated developers can thrive in the future.
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