Among layoffs from ABK, Microsoft Gaming is hiring dozens of people for multiple senior roles

Right after the gigantic acquisition (the biggest of its kind in history) of the Activision Blizzard King triad that happened in October 2023, Microsoft said that there would be some changes, including the possibility of reshaping the studio and bringing its games to the Xbox Game Pass.

In the months following the acquisition, both happened to some degree. Activision Blizzard King cut off around 1900 jobs in January, and Microsoft cut off approximately 22.000 employees from its gaming departments ever since.

However, according to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), by the Xbox enthusiast, @IdleSloth84_, Microsoft Gaming is looking to hire dozens of people again for multiple studios across its gaming departments, just weeks after it let go thousands of employees.

Microsoft Gaming wants to hire people for the following studios: Zenimax, MachineGames, Playground Games, The Coalition Studio, and Xbox Games Technology Group.

However, upon closer inspection, it seems Microsoft prefers those with a higher experience, as almost all the available roles are suited for senior individuals or those with advanced professional experience. So, unfortunately, those who are fresh out of the university won’t stand a chance against those who have experience.

The gaming industry is currently facing an unpleasant period, with many studios letting people go: EA, for instance, is the latest to join to crowd, and experts believe the unprecedented growth of the gaming studios during the COVID-19 pandemic led to this point where it can no longer be sustainable to have so many employees.

It’s also worth noting that even though Microsoft Gaming is hiring, it currently hires senior professionals, so if the gaming industry is thinking about a reorganization, these studios need to be able to take in individuals with lower experience or no experience at all.

However, many gaming studios, especially those with Microsoft Gaming, follow an 18/6 rule to avoid paying healthcare taxes. Turn 10 Studios, the studio behind the Forza Motorsport title, reportedly follows this rule, but so do other studios, and the rule has been seen as unethical by some experts. Within this rule, many individuals are hired, including those who are seniors, so the experience is not a warranty that people won’t be let go.

If you’re interested, you should apply, by accessing the links above.