Microsoft lays off 28 percent of Massive

by Ben Gilbert { May 6th 2009 at 7:00PM }

It seems as though the reports coming in this morning regarding Microsoft layoffs at its in-game advertising department, Massive, were more than a tad overstated. A Microsoft spokesperson, as well as Cassandra Nuttall, head of marketing at Massive, confirmed to us this afternoon that, "In total, the Massive business unit will see a headcount reduction of 28 percent."

Earlier today we reported that a variety of outlets, relying on "anonymous sources," were told that the layoffs at Massive were as high as 75 percent. "While yesterday's job eliminations included full-time employees who work for Massive," the spokesperson told us, "the reports of a 75 percent workforce reduction are inaccurate." Citing the "global economic downturn" for the staff cuts, Ms. Nuttall also insures us that the company "foresee[s] no disruption whatsoever [in its] current relationships with global, blue chip brands and leading game publishers." To those of you laid off, we wish you the best in the coming months.

Tags: business, cassandra-nuttall, economy, layoffs, massive, microsoft, recession

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 6th 2009 7:02PM

I hope all those people can find another job soon...

Sam Diaz @ May 6th 2009 7:05PM

Wow...28% to 75% is a HUUUGE difference...I hope it really wasn't that much. Best of luck to the layoffs.

Seth @ May 6th 2009 7:35PM

the layoffs were only 28% not the 75% that was originally reported

Wes @ May 6th 2009 7:58PM

I wouldn't be surprised if 25% was layed off and then 50% was outsourced so the jobs never really 'died' they just went to India like MS is famous for doing.

Doombot (zuburi) @ May 7th 2009 1:11AM

Would you say that they were... MASSIVE layoffs?

...

You know what? Screw you guys.

*slams door*

brandon17394 @ May 6th 2009 7:14PM

Good luck to the people who were laid off =/

Rob @ May 6th 2009 7:30PM

Damn, that stinks. Hope they can find jobs.

Balloonfighter99 @ May 6th 2009 7:33PM

Thank you very much everyone. Your kind words will hopefully be accepted by my bill collectors. Now lets get one thing straight, I don't want your motha f**king charity. I'm not a fan of people , I don't want to be your friend. I'm so sick of people wishing me the best of luck. What ever happened to pointing and laughing?

jazir @ May 6th 2009 8:41PM

wow he got downvoted for inviting laughter? wtf is wrong with you people. this man should be APPLAUDED.

Balloonfighter99 @ May 6th 2009 9:28PM

thank you jazir. I meant no harm.

jazir @ May 6th 2009 11:23PM

its sad when people don't laugh at something hilarious

Nick Frost @ May 7th 2009 12:41AM

Wow, 28 percent? Perhaps they should change their name to "Kinda Big".

What, too soon?

pumkin54 @ May 7th 2009 1:28AM

28% is still a massive number! Just because it wasn't 75% after all doesn't mean it's no longer significant or devastating to the people who just got some really bad news. Imagine going to work and 1 out of 4 of your colleagues were gone.

On another note, I know Microsoft isn't a charity. But it seems that if any company should be able to take a little punishment for a few months in order to help their employees through a tough time, it should be them. What do they, of all people, need to do lay offs for?