Bethesda
Bethesda business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has experienced significant leadership changes due to recent Xbox layoffs, with studio head Joseph Burba, ESO producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz among those departing. Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working alongside game director Nick Giacomini. A total of 213 positions were eliminated at ZeniMax Online Studios.
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant leadership changes and layoffs, with over 200 staff members, including studio head Joseph Burba and executive producer Susan Kath, being let go as part of broader Xbox workforce reductions. This follows previous contractions in the studio's headcount, raising concerns about the future development and growth of the game despite assurances from remaining leadership.
etc., etc.
The Washington Post has recognized Doom as one of the 25 most influential works of American culture. This acknowledgment highlights the game's significant impact beyond the gaming industry, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations review – the best DLC of the year
This review praises Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations as an exceptional DLC expansion, calling it one of the best ever made and potentially the best Doom game since the 90s. Despite the recent layoffs at id Software, the expansion successfully blends elements from Doom Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages, introducing the versatile Chain Spear weapon and improved level design. The DLC is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
Making Fallout and Elder Scrolls games will "be harder than ever now" following Xbox cuts, say laid-off Bethesda devs calling loss of institutional knowledge "staggering"
Former Bethesda Game Studios developers report that recent layoffs at Xbox, impacting dozens of staff, will make developing core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls significantly harder. They expressed concern over the staggering loss of institutional knowledge and its potential impact on future projects, including The Elder Scrolls 6.
Devs recount chaotic Xbox firings as modders rally behind Bethsoft and ZOS unions
Developers recount chaotic and cruel firings at Xbox, Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software, with employees reportedly notified via brief, disabled video calls. Remaining staff face low morale and increased workloads, with union members disproportionately affected. The PC modding community has shown support for affected developers by creating mods for Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with rallies planned.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A report details the impact of recent Microsoft layoffs on Xbox employees, including those at Bethesda, ZeniMax, and id Software. The article highlights a "disposable worker mentality" fostered by unclear goals and abrupt termination processes, with some employees expressing disillusionment with being owned by Microsoft and questioning the value of their work in terms of job security.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
'The entire thing is going to fall apart:' Inside the latest round of mass layoffs at Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox division has conducted its fifth round of mass layoffs since 2023, impacting 3,200 employees across studios like Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software. Employees describe the process as cruel and self-defeating, with swift video calls and disabled communication channels. The cuts have led to significant loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning id Software's proprietary id Tech engine and the development teams for major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
Fallout Keychain Companion Collection Available Now on Official Bethesda Gear Store
The Fallout Keychain Companion Collection, featuring mascots like Slocum's Joe, Blue Brahmin, and Nuka-Cola, is now available on the Official Bethesda Gear Store. The store also restocked the popular Slocum's Joe Dough Boy Oversized Plush. DPI Merchandising LLC, which specializes in gaming merchandise, powers the store.
Fallout: New Vegas director chooses "dysfunction" and "corruption" over handing power to Caesar or Mr. House in his ideal ending for the beloved RPG
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer discusses his preferred ending for the RPG, favoring an independent New Vegas despite its inherent dysfunction, corruption, and bureaucracy. He believes this outcome is more worthwhile than handing power to factions like Caesar's Legion or Mr. House, or the problematic New California Republic.
Revelations is the best Doom's ever been, but it's relegated to a DLC for the controversial Dark Ages
The DLC 'Revelations' for Doom: The Dark Ages is praised as the best modern Doom experience, blending Eternal's movement with The Dark Ages' combat and featuring a new Chain Spear mechanic. Despite its quality and length, it's a shame it's a DLC for a controversial entry and that id Software developers were recently laid off by Microsoft.
Fallout: New Vegas gets a Mojave interpretation of Oblivion's Dark Brotherhood, thanks to this assassin-focused faction quest mod
A new mod for Fallout: New Vegas, titled Twilight Eternal, adds a faction inspired by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's Dark Brotherhood. This mod introduces a new questline, a player home, and repeatable assassination contracts, with options for AI-generated or subtitle-only dialogue.
"There is a magic to what Rockstar does," former GTA 5 dev says ahead of GTA 6, "I just wish they could…
Former Rockstar Games developer John Ricchio discusses the studio's approach to game development, particularly concerning crunch culture and employee burnout, ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's release. While acknowledging the "magic" in Rockstar's successful titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption, Ricchio expresses a desire for these achievements to come at a lower human cost, noting that the company's ability to hire new talent can perpetuate demanding work conditions.
As Elder Scrolls Online fans fear for the MMO, Bethesda reportedly confirms its team is the same size it was when it…
Despite recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, the development team for The Elder Scrolls Online remains at a size comparable to its early successful years. Community figures report that key personnel are focused on the game's future roadmap, suggesting it is not entering maintenance mode. While the layoffs are upsetting, this news offers reassurance about the MMO's continued development.
Games Inbox: Will there ever be a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite?
Readers discuss the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite, with concerns about component costs and Nintendo's future hardware strategy. The discussion also touches on the high cost of AAA game development, the future of Sony and Microsoft, and skepticism surrounding the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6.
MMO Week in Review: 213
Microsoft's significant layoffs have heavily impacted the Elder Scrolls Online live team, reducing its size to that of 2015-2018. This week also saw Warframe's TennoCon, Aion 2 previewing its monetization, Tencent acquiring the PlanetSide franchise, Star Trek Online launching Undiscovered, and Gamigo porting Fiesta Online to consoles.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.
