The coming weeks are shaping up to be very difficult at XBOX. Indeed, a large number of layoffs are expected, and studios will soon be closed. It is against this highly anxiety-inducing backdrop that developers have spoken out.
The website Game Developer has spoken with four former employees of the American company, and all reported instances of retaliation within their company. Employees who complain to human resources about abusive behavior or other serious issues are very often fired or pressured to resign.
Glenn Israel, a former art director at Halo Studios, has spoken publicly about the issue. He accused the studio’s management of harassment and retaliation. He is now urging employees who have done the same to keep evidence of their communications with management and their complaints before they are potentially fired.
Other anonymous employees have reported similar incidents. All say they were included in waves of forced layoffs after reporting concerns to their studio’s management. Microsoft has declined to comment on the matter.
