Projects started by Xbox Entertainment Studios will be completed, but the unit launched as part of a drive to expand the consoles beyond gaming will be shut-down in coming months, Microsoft said.
During a major E3 video game industry gathering in Los Angeles in June Microsoft brought the focus back to games in a shift from stressing how Xbox is evolving into a multi-purpose entertainment centre for films, television, music, and more.
Closing Xbox Entertainment Studios is part of an unprecedented workforce reduction announced by Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella, according to a copy of a memo sent by Xbox Head Phil Spencer to his team.
Leaked copies of Spencer's memo were posted online.
"We will continue to enhance our entertainment offering on consoles by innovating the TV experience through the monthly console updates," Spencer said in the memo.
"Additionally, our app partnerships with world-class content providers bringing entertainment, sports and TV content to Xbox customers around the world are not affected by this organisational change in any way and remain an important component of our Xbox strategy," he wrote.
Programming already in production include a documentary looking at the rise and fall of video game pioneer Atari and a series spun out of the blockbuster video game "Halo."
Word that Xbox Entertainment Studios is being closed came shortly after Microsoft announced that US sales of its new-generation Xbox One console more than doubled in June.
The jump in sales was credited to the release of a version of the Xbox One priced at $100 less than the original packaged model because the gesture-sensing Kinect camera accessory was taken out of the bundle.
Microsoft is to cut its workforce by 18,000 people over the next year, the majority from Nokia.
The cuts represent about 14% of Microsoft's global payroll of 127,000.
Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
