Microsoft has announced that it is cutting around 4,800 roles from its global workforce as part of a shift towards a more focused strategy for gaming development.
The company's decision follows a trend of layoffs in other tech companies where artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role. The cuts will affect various teams across the globe, with Xbox being one of the most heavily impacted. Microsoft is likely to focus on developing and releasing games that leverage AI technology, such as Halo, which has become a major franchise for the company.
The layoffs are part of a broader trend in the tech industry where many companies are re-evaluating their business strategies in response to rapid advancements in AI. While some experts believe that automation will replace certain jobs, others argue that new technologies and innovations created by these changes will create even more job opportunities.