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Rumoured staff cuts at Microsoft’s UK-based development studio Rare have been confirmed by Microsoft, though the platform holder says the number of lay-offs is fewer than early reports stated.
News of the job losses first appeared on 4Chan last month, with a poster claiming all permanent members of art staff at the studio had been let go, replaced by temps.
Edge has now had the job losses confirmed by two independent sources close to the studio. One source said all 42 art staff have been let go and told to apply for 23 managerial jobs at Rare’s offices in Birmingham.
This would equate to an actual loss of 19 staff. However, the source also indicated that “negative feeling has led to additional artists taking the very generous voluntary redundancy packages,” increasing the number of redundancies to over 20.
Microsoft confirmed to EDGE that there have been redundancies at Rare, but the number is fewer than sources have indicated.
“I can confirm that a small number of employees in the art department of Rare Studios have been informed that their roles are at risk of redundancy,” explained Microsoft in a statement. “While redundancies are never easy, these organisational changes are part of Rare’s ongoing strategy and operational planning which typically coincides with the shipment of a title. We are working closely with the affected employees to support them through this transition and help them apply for other roles within Microsoft.
“Whilst we’re not discussing the exact numbers involved, I can assure you that it’s far fewer than you’ve indicated and represents a small percentage of the total Rare team.”
Despite the lay-offs, Microsoft believes Rare is in a very strong position following the launch of Kinect.
“Rare is currently in a position of some considerable strength as Kinect Sports sales have far exceeded global expectations and the title is No. 1 on the Kinect platform.”
Given the success of Kinect Sports a sequel seems a shoe-in, especially given Rare’s focus on Kinect development.
Late last year Rare studio manager Scott Henson told MCV: “Kinect will be the main focus for Rare going forwards as it’s a very rich canvas. This is just the beginning of an experience that will touch millions of people.”
