Xbox chief Asha Sharma joins employment task force days after announcing mass cuts
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has joined a US government employment task force days after announcing sweeping cuts.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has joined a US government employment task force days after announcing sweeping cuts.
Earlier this week, the Xbox CEO launched a huge restructuring of the gaming giant with 3,200 job losses, but days later she has been announced as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.
In a press release, chairman Kevin Warsh unveiled Sharma as one of the "external advisors" tasked with "a mandate to follow the evidence, provide candid feedback, and produce rigorous findings for the Federal Open Market Committee".
One of her duties will also be to assess the workplace impact of AI.
Regarding the task force, Warsh said: "The Federal Reserve's commitment to price stability and maximum employment is unwavering, as is our resolve to pursue our mandate with rigor.
"The US economy has changed significantly over the last generation, and never more so than right now.
"Each task force will carefully consider whether policymakers' means and methods, analytical tools, and policy approaches can be improved upon.
"I am honoured that the best minds from a range of disciplines have agreed to work with us to sharpen our performance as an institution."
A number of studios have been hit by the Xbox cuts, which sees Microsoft's gaming brand's various subsidiaries will also facing changes.
As reported by IGN, Bethesda has been hit particularly hard by the layoffs - which started on June 6 with 1,600 people across Xbox losing their jobs - and boss Jill Braff has issued a memo to staff.
She wrote: "To be successful in the future, we need to change course.
“We must strengthen our business, return to sustainable growth, and ensure we can continue investing in our franchises and our players.
"I know that doesn't make a day like today any easier.”
Braff noted that the layoffs and strategy change shines a light on "the realities of our industry and business", as well as the realisation that Bethesda needs to operate "from a more stable foundation".
She continued: "To best position Bethesda for future growth, we are shifting from a planning model primarily centered on what's next for each independent studio to one that focuses on our strongest franchises and determining the content roadmap that best serves our players and Bethesda as a whole.
“From there, we’ll align the right talent, technology, and resources across the organization to deliver on those priorities,
"By working more closely across the organization, sharing expertise and capabilities, and focusing our investments on the opportunities with the greatest potential, we believe we can better support our franchises and IP with meaningful long-term potential."
Braff insisted the studio still holds "exceptional creative work, craftsmanship and innovation" in high regard, and they know the "identities, talent and expertise" are "essential to our success".
