Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra has rallied round Xbox boss Phil Spencer following Microsoft’s shock choice to shut 4 of its recreation studios – together with Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks – saying, “I know this hurts him as much as anyone else.”
Ybarra made the feedback on Twitter/X amid widespread condemnation of Microsoft’s transfer and as anger over the closures continued to develop. “I see a lot of shots at Phil over today’s Xbox announcements,” he wrote on social media. “I get it. But knowing him as a human, I know this hurts him as much as anyone else. I can’t speak for all of the leadership there, but I do know him and I do know what he is likely going through.”
“I’m not trying to defend the decisions,” Ybarra continued. “I think we all get ourselves into situations that are tough and unexpected (certainly I have). It’s part of the job, as is the accountability for the outcomes. But he’s a good human and he cares deeply for the creative process and developers. That’s my first hand experience in working closely with him for 8+ years and knowing him for 24+.”
“I 100 percent understand the anger and confusion,” he added, “and I really feel deeply sorry for these groups impacted at present and over the previous couple of months. I did not agree with each choice he made at Xbox, and I believe that was fairly clear, however I do imagine in his product management and I understand how onerous these choices will be.
“Xbox could have a very bright future,” Ybarra concluded in his publish. “I hope they are able to realise it and all of the teams have an incredible experience together. It’s certainly a tough time that needs great clarity into what the plan ahead is and how gamers everywhere can be excited for it.”
Under Phil Spencer’s watch, Microsoft has already laid off greater than 1,900 individuals throughout its Xbox, ZeniMax, and Activision Blizzard – layoffs that coincided with Ybarra’s departure from his position as Blizzard president.
Today’s closures impacted Redfall and Prey developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within studio Tango Gameworks, and Mighty Doom developer Alpha Dog Games. Additionally, Roundhouse Studios will likely be merged with Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios, and different jobs will go throughout Bethesda’s publishing and company groups.
In an e-mail to workers asserting at present’s shock studio closures, Microsoft’s Matt Booty described the transfer as a “reprioritisation of titles and resources”. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has but to publicly touch upon the information.