Microsoft all like OR NAH about TV content. Closing XBOX Entertainment Studios
Microsoft’s foray into original entertainment didn’t really progress beyond the zygotic stage. (I don’t know if that’s accurate, I just wanted to say “zygotic stage.”) The company has announced they’re putting the fucking kibosh on Xbox Entertainment Studios. This announcement is part of Microsoft’s slimming down at the hands of the company’s new Czar.
Microsoft’s Xbox Originals, a series of original television projects, only debuted in June, but they’re already the casualty of CEO Satya Nadella’s new restructuring. Recode reports that Microsoft will shut down its Xbox Entertainment Studios, cutting positions as part of the 18,000 job eliminations planned over the next 12 months. Microsoft had big plans for its Xbox Entertainment Studios, including a much-anticipated Halo series that Steven Spielberg is executive producing. In an internal memo to Xbox employees, Xbox chief Phil Spencer notes that the Halo series will continue, alongside Signal to Noise, but Microsoft will not produce future projects.
Xbox Originals debuted last month with the reality series Every Street United, focusing on street soccer ahead of the World Cup. Microsoft’s original TV series was supposed to take on the likes of Amazon and Netflix, with a diverse array of programing designed for the new entertainment focus with the Xbox One. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently called for a focus on productivity across cloud and mobile in an employee memo, areas that Xbox doesn’t serve currently. However, Nadella did note “Microsoft will continue to vigorously innovate and delight gamers with Xbox.” A move away from an Xbox entertainment focus comes shortly after Microsoft revealed its console sales doubled last month thanks to a new $399 Kinect-free version of the Xbox One. Microsoft’s new Xbox leader, Phil Spencer, is also focused heavily on the gaming aspects of the Xbox.