Microsoft layoffs impact Call of Duty Warzone Mobile's performance
Big news in the gaming world! Microsoft has laid off 650 more employees, impacting the teams behind Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Warcraft Rumble.
Microsoft Layoffs Hit Activision Blizzard
Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, confirmed these layoffs in a memo. This adds to the 1,900 layoffs earlier this year, making a total of 2,550 since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard.
Spencer assured that no games were canceled, and no studios were closed. However, teams working on Call of Duty Warzone Mobile and Warcraft Rumble were affected.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
Warzone Mobile launched in March on iOS and Android. It offers Battle Royale matches with up to 120 players and cross-progression with Warzone on PC and consoles.
Despite high hopes, Warzone Mobile hasn't met expectations. Stephen Totilo from Game File mentioned the game "didn't hit the mark" and the team has been downsized.
Activision aimed for Warzone Mobile to stand out in the competitive mobile shooter market. Unlike Call of Duty Mobile, developed by TiMi Studio Group, Warzone Mobile is fully developed by Activision.
Warcraft Rumble
Blizzard's Warcraft Rumble also faced layoffs. Launched in 2023 as a free-to-play tower defense game, it started strong but interest has waned.
Warcraft Rumble will continue its live operations but with a reduced team.
Microsoft's Mobile Gaming Ambitions
These challenges raise questions about Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was partly driven by Xbox's mobile gaming ambitions.
Microsoft plans to launch its own app store to compete with Apple and Google.
Key Points
- Microsoft laid off 650 more employees.
- Teams behind Warzone Mobile and Warcraft Rumble were affected.
- Warzone Mobile hasn't met expectations.
- Warcraft Rumble's team has been reduced.
- Microsoft's mobile gaming ambitions continue.
Xbox Hardware and Game Sales
Xbox hardware sales have declined, but game content sales have soared thanks to Activision Blizzard.
Overall, Microsoft's gaming revenue increased by 44% year-over-year, largely due to the acquisition.
Upcoming Releases
Microsoft is set to launch Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in October. It will be the first Call of Duty game available on Game Pass from day one.
Rumors suggest a new portable Xbox console is in the works, along with next-gen Xbox consoles.
Stay tuned for Indiana Jones and the Circle of Ancients, launching on PC and Xbox in December, with a PS5 release following soon after.
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Author: Streamers Visuals
