Microsoft refutes foreign-worker visas as cause of Xbox layoffs
Company pushes back on claims linking mass cuts to visa issues.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Microsoft refutes foreign-worker visas as cause of Xbox layoffs — Saturday, July 11, 2026
Xbox layoffs hit Bethesda studios hard with union pushback and id Software sizing down; Destiny 2 gets limited support note; PS5 owners cancel PS Plus over disc changes.
Biggest developments
Bethesda union plans rallies next week over Xbox layoffs
Unionized workers at Bethesda Game Studios will rally across four locations to demand fair treatment.
Destiny 2 players get one last surprise from Bungie on limited support
Developer reveals plans for ongoing but constrained updates.
Important posts & threads
Bethesda hit hard by Xbox layoffs across multiple studios
Cuts to Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, and ESO teams among others.
id Software back to 2016 Doom team size after layoffs
Studio issues statement on reduced headcount.
John Carmack responds to id Software layoffs without anger
Expresses sadness over the cuts.
Bullish takes
- id Software states it retains the core crew needed for its signature games and tech
Critical takes
- Elder Scrolls 6 faces potential delays and talent loss from Bethesda cuts
- PS5 owners cancelling PlayStation Plus over Sony disc drive decisions
Why this matters
Layoffs are reshaping studio capacity at key Microsoft properties while prompting organized labor responses and subscription pushback.