Layoffs at Microsoft Vancouver as games cancelled

Microsoft has laid off a number of staff at its Vancouver studio after cancelling work on two games.

As reported by Kotaku, development on Microsoft Flight and Kinect-based interactive children’s TV title Project Columbia has been stopped as the console giant realigns its plans for the studio.

It did not reveal how many staff had been let go as part of the changes, but stated there were more projects in the pipeline at the developer.

“Microsoft Studios is always evaluating its portfolio of products to determine what is best for gamers, families and the company, and this decision was the result of the natural ebb and flow of our portfolio management,” read a statement form the company.

“Many factors were considered in the difficult decision to stop development on Microsoft Flight and Project Columbia, but we feel it will help us better align with our long-term goals and development plans.”

It is believe around 35 developers are employed at Microsoft Vancouver, with previous reports suggesting the entire studio had been let go.