A vanity project requires prestige to attach to it. Serious question, and I'm being 100% serious here: do you really believe videogames are considered prestigious in the business world?

Ahhh, somebody who actually read the whole damn memo instead of the selective pieces that some no named website decided to take out to support there blog hits.  Really seems like there are a lot of sheep in this world.  Always willing to be fed information but never taking the time to actually research that info before making or forming an opinion.  I guess its too much work and people love being led.

The context doesn't matter.

To say they are distancing it from the core, rather then saying they are focusing on thier core and simply omitting the mention of Xbox, he's harming the brand. As a gamer, this is anything but comforting. As an investor, it only furthers the case to drop it. 

As far as games are concerned, Xbox out prioritizes Microsoft.

It's funny many of those who claim PlayStation would be fine without Sony (not saying it was you but instead making a general claim), are now defending Microsoft at the cost of Xbox. So much for consistency.

Thought this was common knowledge.

MS's main income comes from OS and Office sales. Also cloud is increasing its relevance.

Xbox isnt exactly a big earner for them in comparison to other things. Its a drop in the ocean. This comes as no surprise.

It will remain a big focus for them as a company, but its never going to be at the forefront of the company. Microsoft is so much bigger than Xbox.

Yea, thats exactly why I asked the question. Your probably reading to much into the little stuff. 

12000 actually 

who knows 

12000 today more 12000 tomorrow.

im actually very concern. the way the xbox division is doing maybe they will have to sell it.

i heard amazon wants to buy it is tht true?

Actually, taken in context, no it isn't.

If you read the article, the context is given.

Microsoft's core business is business productivity.  The "digital life" segment of the business is outside of that core business. 

The core business for BMW is 4-wheel based transportation, cars and SUVs.  However, BMW has a segment of their business that produces motorcycles.  They're good at building motorcycles, but they're better at building cars.

Microsoft needs Xbox if it wants to succeed in the digital life segment, but Microsoft may have to reduce redunant jobs.  Especially with the aquisition of Nokia's mobile phone business.  I'm not sure how that's negative.

My name is Sisyphus.