Microsoft says allegations that the Xbox layoffs were designed to swap American employees for H‑1B visa holders are false. Chief communications officer Frank X. Shaw noted CEO Asha Sharma is "American born, raised, and educated."
Many reactions to Xbox’s recent cuts — which affected about 3,200 people and led to the spinoff of four studios (with a fifth linked to Arkane still unsettled) — have been sharply critical. One theory that circulated online claimed the layoffs were intended to replace American workers with H‑1B visa hires. Microsoft communications chief Frank X. Shaw denied that claim on social media, stressing that CEO Asha Sharma is "American born, raised, and educated." The allegation was amplified after a Fox News piece noted Microsoft is cutting roughly 4,800 roles overall while also receiving authorization to hire 2,273 employer‑sponsored non‑immigrant workers under the H‑1B program. Critics quoted on social platforms argued that American jobs were being handed to foreigners; Microsoft rejects that framing.
Garfield Kart's official X account taunted Nintendo over the planned shutdown of Mario Kart Tour, claiming its game "will not randomly kill your game license." Mario Kart Tour is set to close on September 29, while console entries continue to receive updates.
Activision’s updated PlayStation ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 include the original emblem editor. Players have already used it to create swastikas, 9/11 imagery, and other provocative designs, highlighted in a July 10 tweet from influencer JakeSucky.
The Elder Scrolls Online has launched its first seasonal content, Return of the Thieves Guild, but the rollout has been overshadowed by major layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios.
