Microsoft lays off 28%, not 75%, of workforce

Reports circulated yesterday that Microsoft is hit with another round of massive layoffs, with figures reaching up to a staggering 75% loss in headcount. But Microsoft is clearing the air on the matter, dubbing the reports as “wildly inaccurate.”

Reports circulated yesterday that Microsoft is hit with another round of massive layoffs, with figures reaching up to a staggering 75% loss in headcount. But Microsoft is clearing the air on the matter, dubbing the reports as “wildly inaccurate.”

According to a representative of the software giant, “In total, the business unit will see a headcount reduction of 28%. We have made these adjustments in response to general benchmarks and growth trends in the in-game advertising industry.”

It was announced earlier this year that Microsoft will be tightening its belt by cutting off some 5,000 jobs (5% from the total workforce) in the coming 18-month period. The layoffs started in January, with the first batch of 1,400 jobs taken out from departments like R&D, marketing, sales, finance, [legal], HR, and IT.

The rep further stated, “They will allow us operate more efficiently in the future, and we remain committed to growing the business. We foresee no disruption whatsoever to our current relationships with global, blue chip brands and leading game publishers.

Image courtesy of Mark Stivers

Via Venture Beat