Former Blizzard President Says Closures Hurt Phil Spencer 'as Much as Anyone Else' - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 02 June 2024 / 6,256 Views
The former president of Blizzard Mike Ybarra in a statement on Twitter says Microsoft Gaming CEO is hurting just as much as anyone else following the closure of three studios under Bethesda - Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Studios. Roundhouse Games is also joining ZeniMax Online Studios.
"I see a lot of shots at Phil over today's Xbox announcements. I get it. But knowing him as a human, I know this hurts him as much as anyone else. I can't speak for all of the leadership there, but I do know him and I do know what he is likely going through.
"I'm not trying to defend the decisions. I think we all get ourselves into situations that are tough and unexpected (certainly I have). It's part of the job, as is the accountability for the outcomes. But he's a good human and he cares deeply for the creative process and developers. That's my first hand experience in working closely with him for 8+ years and knowing him for 24+.
"I 100% understand the anger and confusion, and I feel deeply sorry for those teams impacted today and over the last few months. I didn't agree with every decision he made at Xbox, and I think that was pretty clear, but I do believe in his product leadership and I know how hard these decisions can be.
"Xbox could have a very bright future. I hope they are able to realizes it and all of the teams have an incredible experience together. It's certainly a tough time that needs great clarity into what the plan ahead is and how gamers everywhere can be excited for it."
Arkane Lyon Studio Director and Co-Creative Director Dinga Bakaba in his own statement called the closures "a fucking gut stab," but did say Arkane Lyon is safe.
"For now, great teams are sunsetting before our eyes again, and it's a fucking gut stab," said Bakaba. "Lyon is safe, but please be tactful and discerning about all this, and respect affected folks' voice and leave it room to be heard, it's their story to tell, their feelings to express."
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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BULL FUCKING SHIT!
Yeah man, it hurt him just as much as the people who lost their job and life's work.
You don't end up in a corporate position like that without putting the elbows out, pulling knives and trow your competition under the buss. Phil is just as ruthless as any CEO getting to a position like that.
Ruthless and incompetent,
They should be fucking overlooking development but instead when it all goes to hell they shut up em down,
Who's fault is that
His tears hurt more than not paying rent ever would....
Oh boohoo!
please just shut the fuck up.
I get the feeling the uploader of this article doesn't quite agree with that. LOL!
thats BS.... if it did, he would have opposed it, and been able to talk others out of any idea of it.
This is some grand master level spin right here. I'm actually dizzy.
Cant anyone think of phill spencers feelings !?!?!? Pathetic
Is this a joke? Its so crazy. By the way: Shinji Mikami work on complete new ip for PlayStation 5, say rumors.
I see him wiping his tears with the money from his last bonus...
We know Phil, we know. :-(
U buy studios to add games not fucking close them!
It's your incompetence to get Bethesda to straighten up instead you let them do whatever the fuck they want and now you decide to close some of their studios lol...
Keep buying studios and closing em Microsoft unless someone steps up and watches every development and play test every gaddamn product this will always repeat itself
PR statements like that aren't good. No one believes them. If anything I'd probably give them credit if they said "I don't care had to happen".
Too many apologists in this world.
And the us economy is in great shape
how long can they keep Phill in this position?
Essay Pro