Microsoft layoffs Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Gears of War story director laid off mere days after E-Day went gold

The development team behind Gears of War: E-Day is experiencing layoffs due to corporate restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division. Story director Juan Vaca announced on LinkedIn that he is seeking new opportunities after being laid off. Gears of War: E-Day has gone gold and is set for release on October 6, having sold over one million copies.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

One year later, XBOX’s Adaptive Joystick has changed our accessible gaming life for the better — as Microsoft’s efforts slow down

A year ago, the author invested in the XBOX Adaptive Joystick for their fiancée, who has a connective tissue disorder that makes traditional gaming controls uncomfortable. The joystick was intended to help her play PC-exclusive games like World of Warcraft. Microsoft is undergoing significant restructuring, resulting in approximately 3,200 layoffs, including the elimination of the Gaming Accessibility Lead and accessibility testers. The XBOX Adaptive Joystick is priced at .99 in the U.S. and £24.99 in the U.K., but its future is uncertain due to these layoffs. The joystick is not wireless but features a long USB cable and lacks pressure-sensitive triggers, which limits analog input options. Despite its limitations, it is considered user-friendly and adaptable for various gaming experiences.