Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Microsoft to cut 17 percent of its staff, Xbox division is safe photo

Microsoft, the behemoth corporation responsible for things like Windows (icky), the modern personal computer, the Zune and the Xbox are feeling the financial crunch associated with the troubling economy. According to a Fudzilla report (via Joystiq) Microsoft are to lay off around 15,000 workers. The number represents about 17 percent of the corporation’s total workforce.

The pink slips are to be handed out January 15th, this year but it appears as though the entirety of the Xbox division will be safe due to good sales. If you were wondering, the department on the chopping block is MSN.

It is always highly unfortunate to hear that someone is losing his or her job. We wish everyone the best of luck.

[Thanks, Brian!]


Continue: More Microsoft stories





prev next

34 comments | showing # 1 to 34

mistic's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 16:15
mistic
the crisis is hitting everyone i guess, 2 of my mates have already lost their jobs as well...
SpiralGray's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 16:38
SpiralGray
"This stuff has to end at some point."

How do you figure? As long as companies keep cutting jobs people will keep cutting back on their spending, which will result in companies cutting jobs, which will result in people cutting back on their spending... I'm amazed at how I can figure this out but CEOs can't.
Scrixx's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 20:07
Scrixx
They should release MSN 2009 already, the beta is so awesome.
WillyFourEyes's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 20:24
WillyFourEyes
I wonder if this is punishment for "the day the Zunes stood still"?
falinter's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 20:33
falinter
Surface better come faster.
I'm sick of all these archaic non touch screen tables.
Maziar's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 20:53
Maziar
damn..that must suck for the employees.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 20:55
EternalDeathSlayer
Wow Brad, didn't think you'd stoop to flamebaiting.

Windows is icky?

Yeah, tell that to the 100s of millions of Windows users.

I'll tell the 25 mac users OS X is icky.
nebben's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:06
nebben
@ EDS:

I'm stuck with Windows Vista, and I'll concur that it is indeed icky. If I could find a copy or wasn't broke, I'd swap to Windows XP 64 bit in a heart beat :(
Scrixx's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:08
Scrixx
Also Brad, hey hey guess what!

My PC can play steam and PC Games and yours can't! Also I have more programs and my OS isn't a firmware upgrade after another!
dprime's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:23
dprime
SpiralGray at 01/01/2009 16:38


"This stuff has to end at some point."

How do you figure? As long as companies keep cutting jobs people will keep cutting back on their spending, which will result in companies cutting jobs, which will result in people cutting back on their spending... I'm amazed at how I can figure this out but CEOs can't.

-

*facepalms*

You know, if upon seeing an apparent hole in human knowledge you looked into that field (in this case economics) to see if it has an explanation instead of just conveniently assuming you're smarter than everyone, you'd have a lot less of these "omg" moments.

While this is happening, there are reverse affects. A high supply of labor means it's cheaper for companies to higher people. Fewer people buying things forces companies to lower prices, which increases spending.

Why recessions do happen despite those forces is complicated economics I'm not accredited to explain and involves government involvement, which highly complicates things, but that's a basic reason why this won't "go on forever."
LividChihuahua's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:25
LividChihuahua
The Xbox divisions wasen't effected, damn :(

As for people bitching about the whole Mac/PC argument, The only people I have ever seen hate on the Mac OS are people to poor to afford the 20% markup on the products, or to stupid to install OSX86.

I, for one, am to poor to afford genuine Mac hardware, but I am smart enough to install OSX86, the system is better*, fact it and move on.

*Not for gaming, but thats starting to change with all those unofficial cider ports running around, hardware still sucks because it can't be upgraded, but then I guess you have to be smart enough to install OSX86
dprime's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:33
dprime
"It's a fact that this sytem is better."

Oh, it's a FACT? You mean you believe it's TRUE that Mac is better? This whole time I've disagreed with people who say that Macs are better, I thought they thought what they were saying wasn't true! Well this changes everything.

"Too poor."

The majority that doesn't want to pay twice as much for inferior specs isn't secretly himming and hawing for a shiny white socially accelerating clique-inclusive hipster box but just can't afford it. It's a waste of money. Buying a Mac with equal specs to a PC costs signifcantly more, for compatibility with less software, and no improvements.

Every one of my peers in the last few years (I'm 19) who has bought an Apple was doing it with his or her parent's money.
BattyAdroit's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:46
BattyAdroit
This economy must be bad. LividChihuahua is too poor to afford the extra "O's." :/
faultymoose's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:52
faultymoose
I use a mac at work (I'm in content creation for the entertainment industry) and I find it an absolute pleasure. I very, very rarely suffer crashes (unlike when I have to use the Windows Maya boxes) and everything feels very nice and smooth.

That said, I own a PC at home. I like being able to play games and buy software without engaging in an epic treasure hunt across multiple continents to find the store that stocks what I'm looking for.
Velt's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 21:57
Velt
I donmt see any report of this on reuters.
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 22:32
ArrestedDeveloper
I got to know quite a few Microsoft employees while living up in Washington, I hope their all safe.
LividChihuahua's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 22:50
LividChihuahua
I was expecting more flaming, damn :(

Yes it is a fact macs are better, if you don't believe me just listed to someone who has switched or who uses one at work (like faultymoose) never seen anyone complain about a mac unless they are a fanboy or unwilling to learn anything new (PC users who complain that you can't tweak the system or fix problems, you can do both, and the learning curve is a lot lower than on the PC, and I've learned both, along with linus which is above both)

And you not paying twice the price, there a good 20-30% more but not near twice the price so you can shove that figure back up your ass where you got it from. And while some mac users buy the hardware because it's "cool" those are the minority, and frankly if there stupid enough to but a computer because of how it looks rather than how it performs (and that's both software and hardware quality, more than base specs) then they deserve to be in debt because there obviously retarded.

And actually if your going top and mac they can be upgraded, but then again there overpriced, the average mac isn't as overpriced as the Mac Pro, and even that's not twice the price, after all most PC's you buy don't have dual QuadCore processors.

Saying your peers buy apple's with there parents money just proves that there too poor to buy one them self and to stupid to install OSX86 on something far cheaper, thanks for proving me right.

I am disappointed, I was hoping for a good laugh, there's not as much mac hate as there used to be :(
Cacophony's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 22:53
Cacophony
"I'm amazed at how I can figure this out but CEOs can't."

Mostly because that's not how it works. The economy, except in worst case scenarios, operates along a fairly set pattern. They cut jobs now to save money until the economy recovers and they can start making money again. Sure, they could keep all their employees until things looks up, but that's a couple thousand people who will want a pay rise when things are good again. So they figure they might as well cut the costs now.

At least that's the way I figure it's working.
dprime's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 23:21
dprime
Purposely misunderstanding someone to flame bait is a waste of your time, friend.
aaronf's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 23:21
aaronf
Job cuts always suck. As much as I despise M$, my condolences to those who will be getting the pink slip.

As far as the Mac/PC debate going on around here, I just wanted to point out that any Intel Mac can run Windows alongside Mac OS via Boot Camp. When you want to actually want to be productive on your computer, you can boot into Mac OS. When you want to play a game, you can reboot into Windows. I do it all the time on my Mac Pro.

I'm not going to get into the whole debate about which OS is better, because that purely a subjective argument. But I do find that the overwhelming majority of people who bash Mac OS haven't been within 30 feet of a Mac since 1996. I keep hearing the same old tired arguments like the one button mouse and the Mac has "no software" (when they really just mean games, which is in fact true). But in reality, what these people are really saying is that they aren't familiar with the Mac, so they will just bash it.
LividChihuahua's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 23:34
LividChihuahua
@dprime
Well what else should i do, I am waiting for what may very well me the slowest download ever :(
$aaronf
Your pretty much right, if they had used a mac (I mean used not tried to play games on) they'd know that there is plenty of software and we have 4 mouse buttons now :P And we can play games (Starcraft, Doom... There's some great emulation... umm... oh yeah EA is using cider so we get a lot of that stuff now... and... we just got COD4... good thing I own a console :P )
LividChihuahua's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 23:36
LividChihuahua
and if you don't care about being legit there's always cider, oblivion and half life are what I play the most (well and portal, but that's part of the half life orange box)
F Whipple's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/01/2009 23:53
F Whipple
What other uses are there besides games?
brainderailment's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 00:19
brainderailment
aaronf nailed it.

Also, how is microsoft responsible for the 'modern personal computer'? I honestly want to know, for one because I'm not sure what modern means in that context. What I do know is that Microsoft isn't/hasn't manufactured a computer.
faultymoose's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 04:15
faultymoose
You don't buy a Mac to play games, it's as simple as that. Macs are exceptional at their niche, which is predominantly design work, with the software usually running more efficiently, and far more stable than on a PC. Like I said before, I own a PC at home so I can play games and enjoy a significantly larger software market, but when it comes to working, I much prefer to do it on a Mac. Also, OSX is a dream to use, imo, and I can't recall EVER having to screw with drivers or under-the-hood stuff like the registry or services.msc like I have to do regularly in Windows. I often wonder how non-computer-literate people survive Windows, tbh ><
Professor Pew's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 05:11
Professor Pew
Nooooo, MSN! How will I pick up underage girls without my custom emoticons that don't work outside of MSN?
Quest's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 08:56
Quest
it was obivious ... msn group close next month
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 11:05
Holyetheline
I love having good job security.
Velt's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 12:04
Velt
I dont get it, I dont see this story anywhere else.

Now why this has started to be a mac vs. PC. i dont have anything against mac´s, they are overpriced but thats ok if you want, I would use the money to enjoy some gaming on a PC.
Also at a corporate point of view, they are a nightmare for IT and security.
aaronf's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 12:25
aaronf
@Velt:

Calling Macs "overpriced" depends entirely on how much your time is worth. When considering how much time you have to waste dicking around with drivers, managing your registry, reinstalling Windows every 6 months or so after it starts slowing to a crawl, installing and configuring software that offers functionality Windows should have in the first place, etc, all that time really adds up.

As a professional, I can't afford to spend a whole day fighting with Windows to get it to work properly. That's just throwing money away. I'd much rather operate a computer that requires as little attention as possible so I can actually be productive. And when I want to unwind and play a game, I just reboot into Windows and I can play any games I want.

Lastly, your final statement lacks any kind of corroborating facts to back it up. Clearly, shown by the increase in corporate adoption of Macs (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10124029-16.html), not everyone agrees with you. And, if your definition of "nightmare for IT and security" is essentially "I'm too used to Windows and don't really want to make the effort to learn how to administer Macs", than that's clearly the wrong argument to make.
TheStripe's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 12:50
TheStripe
Seeing "mac" and "nightmare for security" in the same sentence makes me laugh. Seriously, go spec a PC laptop like the Macbook or MacBook Pro, and make sure you get all the same features, specs, and software. Not more expensive at all really, considering there are features on your mac you don't get anywhere else. I was a windows user for years and years before I got my first mac. I was entirely self supporting, and was scornful of macs because of the closed hardware loop. Well, that closed hardware loop is the secret to stability and security. Just like consoles, you know an app for your mac will work without registry fiddling bullshit or rolling back drivers until the display stops flickering for some odd reason. Buy a mac if you want your machine to work. Buy a PC if you want to work on your machine.
Rational Animal's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 14:04
Rational Animal
The PC versus Mac debate is sooooooo 2008.

Also, the layoffs are still in the rumor stage and have not been formally announced or confirmed by M$, so the total number of layoffs, as well as the timing are up for potential revision.
Roryzilla's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 14:20
Roryzilla
@Rational Animal

Good call on the windows vs. mac debate. I for one enjoy what they both offer, Mac has an interesting visual flair and ease of use, while Windows has a great software support and, of course, lots of gaming.

See, why can't we enjoy them both?
TheStripe's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/02/2009 19:37
TheStripe
To stay on topic, 17% is really pretty darn good for the current economic clime. The only way a multi-national corporation is going to be able to avoid layoffs is if they're extremely profitable in a direct-to-customer sense, or if they have a buttload of cash in the bank, or both. (read: Apple Inc.)

"great support" and "Microsoft" in the same sentence makes me laugh.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 

   Got news?   tips@destructoid.com   |   Dtoid Twitter

New Videos

more videos


Reviews & Previews
BioShock 2 review
Dante's Inferno review
Chime review
Hustle Kings review
iPhone Review Round-up: January review
more reviews
Dawn of War II Chaos Rising
Metro 2033
A trip to the racetracks Days of Thunder Arcade
Double the pleasure, double the fun with Darwinia+
Wizarding world in plastic Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4
more previews


- The Dtoid Army is 56744 strong -

Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

Call for entries: the Areas of my Expertise

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals
Jim Sterling: How Aliens are blatantly better than Predators





















More Destructoid Originals




We are Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Niero
Founder, Big Boss
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Dale North
News Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Destructoid Video EIC
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Brad Nicholson
Managing Editor
Tom Fronczak Colette Bennett
Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
Conrad
Zimmerman
Chad Concelmo
Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Will Maddock Matthew Razak
Josh Tolentino
Joseph Leray
Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
     
  Adam Dork
Daniel Lingen
Hollie Bennett
Joe Burling
Mikey Turvey






 
 
  get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
contribute a news tip
suggest a feature
be a guest editor
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meetup+play online
seriously

about Destructoid
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator
Despingation?




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006