Microsoft’s recent layoffs across its Xbox gaming division have affected members of its accessibility team, prompting concerns about the future of its accessibility work.
On 6 July 2026, Microsoft laid off approximately 1,600 employees across its Xbox gaming division, with a further 1,600 positions expected to be cut over the next 12 months as part of a broader restructuring.
Several accessibility specialists have since confirmed publicly that they were among those affected.
These include accessibility program managers, testing leads, user researchers and accessibility project leads. Among them are Kaitlyn Jones, who worked on projects including the Xbox Adaptive Joystick and Microsoft’s Gaming Accessibility Fundamentals training program; Zach Clothier, accessibility test lead for the Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Testing Service; and Elisabeth Whyte, a senior user researcher for accessibility at ZeniMax Media.
In a LinkedIn post, Zach Clothier said he had spent nearly three years leading accessibility testing and coordinating testing across more than 1,000 Xbox Store titles through the Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Testing Service.
According to reports, accessibility staff across Xbox and ZeniMax Media were among those impacted by the layoffs. The timing has also attracted attention, with the cuts taking place during Disability Pride Month.
In a statement provided to GameSpot, a Microsoft spokesperson said accessibility would remain a priority despite the restructuring.
“Accessibility remains a priority for Xbox. While we’ve made changes across the team, creating more accessible gaming experiences for players has not changed.”
Microsoft has been recognised for accessibility initiatives including the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Adaptive Joystick, accessibility features across Xbox consoles, and the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines, which provide guidance for developers on creating more accessible games.
While Microsoft says accessibility remains a priority, the impact of the layoffs on its accessibility teams has prompted discussion within the gaming community about the future of these initiatives.
For more information, please read gamespot’s article on the Microsoft gaming layoffs.