It's clear that the video game industry is going through a tough time. Since last year, dozens of employees have been laid off, and unfortunately, the negative trend continues into 2024. Now, Microsoft is making headlines for shuttering 4 Bethesda studios, which clearly irked the fans. Amid the controversy, a former Xbox executive stepped up to defend Phil Spencer.
Early on Tuesday, May 7th, Microsoft announced that Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and Roundhouse Games would permanently close, while Alpha Dog Games, the studio behind the mobile title Mighty DOOM, would be absorbed by ZeniMax Online Studios. Additionally, another round of layoffs was announced.
Let's remember that Microsoft laid off thousands of Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and Xbox employees earlier in 2024, so the recent closure of Hi-Fi RUSH and Redfall studios deeply disappointed the community. Naturally, fans criticized Phil Spencer over the recent controversy. In response, Mike Ybarra came to the executive's defense.
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“He's a Good Human Being,” Mike Ybarra Defends Phil Spencer from Criticism
Mike Ybarra, who served as an Xbox executive and head of Blizzard, reacted to the recent news and didn't hesitate to defend Phil Spencer, with whom he had the opportunity to work for over 8 years.
“I see a lot of criticism towards Phil over today's Xbox announcements. I get it. But knowing him as a human, I know this hurts him as much as anyone. I can't speak for all leadership there, but I know him and what he possibly goes through,” highlighted the former Blizzard president, who left the company earlier this year amid the massive layoffs.
The executive asserts he's not trying to defend the decision to close the studios, but he ensures that leadership roles present “difficult and unexpected situations.” He emphasizes that Phil Spencer is a “good human being” who cares about developers and creative processes, and he assured that the brand “could have a very bright future.”
“I 100% understand the anger and confusion, and I deeply feel for the teams affected today and over the past few months. I didn't agree with every decision Xbox made and I think that was pretty clear, but I do believe in his product leadership and know how tough these decisions can be,” commented the former Blizzard president.
As expected, Mike Ybarra's recent statements elicited a variety of reactions. Many agreed with him, while others criticized him for defending “a millionaire executive” in this difficult time. Michael Douse, publishing director of Baldur’s Gate 3, was one of the personalities who lashed out against the former Xbox executive.
“Leaders have tough jobs and are compensated accordingly. But it's not leadership that needs your empathy right now, it's the developers whose sparks are constantly diminished by leadership's inability to protect them from brutal conflict,” commented the worker at Larian Studios.
But tell us, what do you think of Mike Ybarra's statements? Let us hear from you in the comments.
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