Despite deep cuts into Microsoft's gaming division, the company says today they remain dedicated to Windows as a "first-class gaming platform."
The company also confirmed to Kotaku that Chris Early, former general manager of Games for Windows Live, was indeed laid off. Ron Pessner, who comes from Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, will be assuming his duties as well as other areas within Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business.
“Moving ahead, Microsoft will continue to invest in Windows as a first–class gaming platform through great Windows out of box experiences, our online gaming services including Games for Windows – LIVE, MSN Games, and Messenger games, and through new games for Windows developed by Microsoft Games Studios," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "Our Windows gaming service efforts will be led by General Manager Ron Pessner, who is joining Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. He comes from within Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division.
"Working closely with Ron will be Dave Luehmann, a long time Microsoft games veteran and General Manager within Microsoft Games Studios, who will now be overseeing internal development and publishing for all Windows-based games.
Beyond these changes, we are not commenting on specific personnel issues at this time.”
Earlier today we wrote about a possible reason behind the high number of lay offs in the Entertainment and Devices division, which includes Xbox 360. It looks like maybe Microsoft is trying to consolidate some of those management positions.