Microsoft shutters Mixed Reality Studio in Berlin

After two and a half years, Microsoft is shutting down their Mixed Reality Studio in Berlin, affecting 10 employees which will need to find new positions.

The news was announced on Twitter by Dirk Songür, Studio Head, Mixed Reality at Microsoft in Berlin, who wrote:

This was a rational business and strategic decision. Everybody agrees we delivered great work for customers, partners & internally and there is little we could have done more. Which makes this even more heartbreaking – we all love to be at Microsoft, working on MR.

— Dirk Songuer (@DirkSonguer) June 10, 2019

The news was apparently based on “rational business and strategic decisions“, which raises questions regarding the take-up of Microsoft’s Mixed Reality solutions.

The Berlin Studio was mainly focussed on HoloLens, and Microsoft in Germany has been working closely with German car manufacturers to use the technology in their design and manufacturing processes, making the decision somewhat difficult to understand, especially with the recent introduction of the HoloLens 2.

Songür has requested those interested in proving his team a future home, either or outside Microsoft, to get in contact.

So, Twitterverse, if you know anybody (Microsoft internal or external) that wants to pick up some talented Mixed Reality people (producer, UX, designer, artists and engineers), let me know. They are great and deserve an equally amazing new home. Thank you ?

— Dirk Songuer (@DirkSonguer) June 10, 2019