Microsoft speaks out on job cuts

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Microsoft has denied claims by US regulators that it went back on its word by cutting jobs after it purchased Activision Blizzard – the biggest gaming deal in history, BBC reported on Feb.8 Microsoft Gaming announced 1,900 job cuts in January, three months after the $69bn (£56bn) purchase was completed. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that “contradicts” Microsoft’s previous representations.

But Microsoft said the idea of job cuts did not originate with its takeover. “Consistent with broader trends in the gaming industry, Activision was already planning on eliminating a significant number of jobs while still operating as an independent company,” the firm said in a filing with the US court, seen by the BBC.

The controversial deal gives Microsoft control of popular games such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. It was initially blocked in the UK but was later approved.