Microsoft Weighing Xbox Spinoff as Independent Company, Sale Not Ruled Out
According to The Information, Microsoft is evaluating major restructuring options for its Xbox division, including converting it into a wholly owned subsidiary, forming a joint venture, or fully spinning it off for sale. The company is also planning significant layoffs within Xbox and reassessing the next-generation console project codenamed 'Project Helix.'
Highlights
- Microsoft is internally evaluating three restructuring options for Xbox: converting it to a wholly owned subsidiary, forming a joint venture, or fully spinning it off for sale.
- The Xbox division is facing a significant round of layoffs, though the exact headcount has not been publicly disclosed.
- Next-gen console project 'Project Helix' is under reassessment, casting doubt on Microsoft's hardware roadmap.
- No restructuring option is reported to be imminent, according to The Information.
- The developments follow Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, amid ongoing console sales weakness and publishing strategy criticism.
Microsoft is preparing to cut a significant number of Xbox division employees and is reassessing its next-generation console project codenamed "Project Helix," according to a report by tech publication The Information. The company is also reportedly evaluating sweeping structural changes to the Xbox business, including the possibility of spinning it off as an independent company.
Multiple Restructuring Options on the Table
According to the report, Microsoft has been internally discussing several options to make the Xbox business more sustainable, including:
- Converting Xbox into a wholly owned subsidiary
- Forming a joint venture with another company
- Fully spinning off the division and selling it
The report emphasized that none of these options appear imminent, but the discussions themselves reflect deep uncertainty within Microsoft about the long-term direction of its Xbox business.
Xbox Division Faces Major Layoffs
Microsoft is also planning a large-scale round of layoffs within the Xbox division. While the exact number of positions to be cut has not been disclosed, the report describes the scale as considerable. This marks the latest move in Microsoft's ongoing effort to recalibrate its gaming business strategy in recent years.
Project Helix's Future in Doubt
The next-generation console project, internally known as "Project Helix," is also under review. Significant questions remain over whether Microsoft will proceed with launching a new Xbox console according to its original roadmap.
Background
The Xbox division has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including sluggish console sales and criticism of its game publishing strategy — even after Microsoft completed its landmark $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The latest restructuring reports have reignited broad industry debate over the long-term positioning of Microsoft's gaming business.
Original reporting sourced from The Verge.
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