In response to a request for comment, a Microsoft spokesperson said, “We respect our employees’ right to make their voices heard, and we recognize that this is a difficult time for many. We reached out to the union on July 6 to begin effects bargaining and are committed to that process. We remain focused on supporting impacted employees through this transition while positioning the organization for long-term strength.”

Jay Woodward, who was let go last week after nearly 20 years of AI programming at Bethesda dating back to Fallout 3, said he hoped union action could help break what seems like a “perpetual cycle” of layoffs at Xbox. “Obviously, in the business world, we understand that this is the sort of thing that happens,” he said. “[But] it’s absolutely not inevitable. That’s a complete nonsense concept, especially when the studio, when the overall company is doing fantastically well, there’s no need to say that this has to happen.”

In announcing the layoffs last week, Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma said the move was necessary to restructure a business that is “not healthy” and is operating at margins well below the competition. “These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one, Sharma said. “This year, we’ll invest as much in Xbox as we ever have, but we’ll invest with greater focus, greater discipline, and greater clarity, all in service of making Xbox where the world plays and creates.”

Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton appeared at the rally to offer her support for a group of employees she said are a key part of the local community and economy. “We have seen job losses related to issues in the federal government… [but] to see the gaming industry that has been blossoming, so this, it’s something that I’m concerned about,” Ashton said. “I know that there are jobs going overseas, and jobs going to AI. It’s going to touch every industry, and we, as consumers, have to say, we value people.”