Microsoft says it is laying off about 9,000 workers, its second mass layoff in months and its largest in more than two years. The tech giant began sending out layoff notices Wednesday that hit the company's Xbox video game business and other divisions.

Microsoft is laying off thousands of employees, its third round of cuts in recent months, the company confirmed on Wednesday.

The reductions followed cuts of about 6,000 positions last quarter, and were indicative of a tightening job market at big technology companies.