Xbox staff affected by latest Microsoft layoffs

Technology giant Microsoft has quietly laid off hundreds of staff, including some working for Xbox, per reports.

The layoffs: "Like all companies, we evaluate our business priorities on a regular basis, and make structural adjustments accordingly," said a spokesperson.

• A report from Insider cites sources that state this week's round of layoffs affected less than 1,000 employees.
• Those laid off are reported to span the entirety of Microsoft, including those in its Xbox division. No exact numbers have been disclosed at the time of publication.
• It was in July when the tech company revealed that it planned to lay off under 1% of its workforce, which totaled 180,000 people. It also slowed down its hiring dramatically as it prepared to weather the storm presented by the economic downturn.

Playing the game: Microsoft has significant stakes in the games industry.

• Xbox is undoubtedly the most notable of Microsoft's gaming companies.
• It's currently attempting to acquire Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard for $68.7B, though it's having a tough time with some national regulators.
• Other gaming and esports companies owned by the tech giant include tournament platform Smash.gg, Halo developer 343 Industries, Gears of War developer The Coalition, Minecraft developer Mojang Studios, Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media, and over a dozen other game developers.