Microsoft has cut staff in its Xbox division, removing key leadership roles that shaped the console's history. This restructuring impacts the teams responsible for backward compatibility and cloud gaming services. Users who depend on backward compatibility or cloud streaming may experience adjustments to how older titles are accessed. This personnel change reflects broader restructuring efforts within Microsoft's gaming division.
Kevin LaChapelle departs after 37 years leading Xbox legacy services
Kevin LaChapelle, Vice President of Xbox Platform, was among those laid off. LaChapelle spent 37 years at Microsoft, making him a long-time veteran of the company. He led the engineering team that built the Xbox Backward Compatibility program. He also directed the creation of the Xbox Cloud Gaming product.
Kevin LaChapelle announced his departure through public posts on social media platforms. He wrote, "I will add my name to the list of people who were laid off today at Xbox." He noted that his 37-year tenure at Microsoft was ending. He described his fondest memories as leading the talented engineers behind backward compatibility.
The layoffs extend beyond Xbox leadership. Reports indicate that 60 to 70 developers at Obsidian were also let go. A large portion of Id Software's coding team faces similar cuts. These reductions are part of a widespread restructuring at Microsoft. We've been tracking Xbox closely — see our earlier coverage on Xbox Revives Backwards Compatibility for 25th.
These workforce reductions are part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to streamline its gaming operations. The departure of LaChapelle removes a central figure in Xbox platform development. Microsoft continues to reorganize its internal structure in response to wider industry shifts. The specific effects on upcoming game releases or service updates have not yet been detailed.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
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