Following word that Ensemble Studios, developer of Age of Empires and the upcoming Halo Wars, would close, publisher Microsoft Game Studios came forward to defend its decision.

It was “the right thing for our business at this time,” noted MGS head Phil Spencer in an internal email obtained by Gamesindustry. He reaffirmed the studio’s commitment to game development, adding that they will “continue to bring in talent to work on titles and franchises where we’ll see the most.”

As for the employees who will be left without a job, Spencer committed that they will be integrated into Microsoft Game Studios or the broader Interactive Entertainment team where they have relevant openings.