More layoff pain: Nike, airBaltic and Microsoft's Hellblade studio announce major job cuts

From Nike to airBaltic, several companies have announced plans to cut jobs. Nike is preparing for additional layoffs, while several developers at Hellblade studio Ninja Theory have reportedly said they are either being laid off or facing redundancy. Meanwhile, European airline airBaltic is reportedly planning to cut between 500 and 700 jobs.

Nike deepening layoffs

According to reports, Nike is planning to cut more jobs than previously announced under its Pace restructuring programme, which was unveiled in March. Nike has not revealed how many employees will be affected but said it will begin notifying employees in 2027. Nike expects the restructuring to generate about $2.5 billion in savings through fiscal 2031.

Meanwhile, the sportswear giant has unveiled changes to its operating model, including job cuts and a move to three geographic regions — the Americas; Asia Pacific and Greater China; and EMEA — instead of four. Nike also plans to open a new campus in India, which it said will have “strong capabilities and access to talent.”

Hellblade studio job cuts

Last month, Xbox laid off about 268 employees, following around 1,000 job cuts earlier this year. Now, according to reports, several developers at Microsoft-owned Hellblade studio Ninja Theory have started announcing that they are either being laid off or facing redundancy.

Those affected include gameplay programmer Katrin Mair, who wrote: “After four years, it’s hard to put into words how much this place and the people in it have meant to me. I’ve learned an incredible amount, grown so much as a programmer, and had the chance to work with some genuinely brilliant people.

“What I’ll remember most is how much people cared. About the work, about the details, and about each other. I feel very lucky that this was the place where I got to start my career and grow into the programmer I am today. It’s incredibly sad knowing that we won’t get to finish what we were working on. So much care, talent and effort went into it, and I really wish we’d had the chance to see what it could have become.”

The job cuts have also raised questions about the future of Senua, the third title in the Hellblade series, which was revealed last June during the Xbox Games Showcase.

airBaltic mass layoffs

European airline airBaltic is reportedly planning to cut between 500 and 700 jobs.

“We recognise that the upcoming changes are of great significance to our staff. Therefore, our priority is to act responsibly, transparently and with respect for every colleague, providing timely information about the company’s next steps. At present, no decisions regarding specific individuals have yet been taken, and the necessary negotiations and consultations are taking place beforehand. The entire process will be carried out in full compliance with the applicable legal framework and established procedures,” airBaltic President and Chief Executive Officer Erno Hilden was quoted as saying by LSM.

The company said more information about the planned changes will be provided later this month. Since individual decisions have not yet been made, it is currently too early to specify the potential impact on individual bases, company functions or groups of staff.