Out of all of the layoffs, I don’t really consider this one news worthy, or even Halo/Microsoft adjacent.
I contracted for 10 years or so as an engineer. This is just part of the job with contracting. If a big project finishes up like infinite you have so much time to land on a new project - or that’s it. It’s kind of sad, but it’s not as traumatic as a layoff. Contract and project are up, company would love to keep you but there’s nothing they can do.
Now, Microsoft using contractors vs FTEs, that’s something that can be debated
Microsoft having to train a new team of contractors on their engine every 6 months is why Halo 6 was delayed so much. It’s a horrible business practice that didn’t help a single person involved.
Hoberman says Certain Affinity is supporting those affected with severance pay and benefits continuation. The company is also making their vested awards under its Stock Equity Plan portable “so they may benefit from the company’s success in the future.”
Is it sad that I thought, “how nice of them to do that”? Like, that should be the norm, not a positive PR statement.