Microsoft is implementing widespread layoffs impacting up to 9,000 employees, significantly affecting its Xbox division. Several studios face closures and game cancellations, including Rare's Everwild and The Initiative's Perfect Dark reboot.

Microsoft confirmed that it’s laying off as many as 9,100 employees, or about 4 percent of its workforce, in yet another round of cuts this year, reports The Seattle Times. Employees in Microsoft’s Xbox division, known as Microsoft Gaming, are being hit hard by these layoffs, although exact numbers and divisions are not yet known.

These changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before,” said Xbox head Phil Spencer in an email to staff.