I know that this is difficult news to hear." New Microsoft Gaming layoffs hit: Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announces 650 redundancies in email to staff

[Windows Central]

Microsoft Gaming is cutting 650 staff today, after eliminating 1900 staff earlier in the year following its Activision-Blizzard acquisition. In an email to staff shared to Windows Central, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said no studios would be closed and no devices cancelled, with most layoffs landing in corporate functions.

I know that this is difficult news to hear." New Microsoft Gaming layoffs hit: Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announces 650 redundancies in email to staff : Read more

 

[fjtorres5591]

If it's only the administrative support side that's getting the hit, it makes sense.
Every merger ever has gone there: when you combine organizations you end up with true redundancies in things like HR, office supply purchases, accounting, budgeting...

Most of the gaming studios are scattered all over but don't be surprised if a few that are nearby get physically relocated as the next move.