Bethesda
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Xbox is closing down studios to help fund more Halo claim insiders
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a strategy to reallocate resources towards key franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. Insiders suggest this move aims to revitalize struggling IPs and address issues with post-launch support, particularly for Halo Infinite. Several studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, are rumored to be at risk.
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Chris Chung joins Neowiz as head of global business group
Several key personnel changes have occurred across the gaming industry. Chris Chung joins Neowiz as head of global business group, Dylan Beale is the new studio head at Larian Guildford, and Jonnie Bryant becomes communications director at Team17. Other notable moves include Robert Henrysson stepping down as CEO of Supermassive Games and Nicholas Penwarden departing Epic Games after 15 years.
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie
This article rounds up recent hires and departures within the games industry for July 2026. Notable moves include Joe Ziegler leaving Bungie's Marathon team, Chris Chung joining Neowiz, and Robert Henrysson stepping down as CEO of Supermassive Games. Several other companies announced new appointments across marketing, production, and business development roles.
On the unionization frontlines
Two significant unionization victories occurred in the video game industry: Bethesda Game Studios employees formed a union at Microsoft, and the World of Warcraft development staff formed the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild at Blizzard Entertainment. The Communications Workers of America, represented by Emma Kinema, spearheaded these efforts, with insights from Bethesda's Autumn Mitchell and Chris Lusco discussed in the Game Developer Podcast.
What Makes Ambrosia Sky So Unique?
Ambrosia Sky, a unique cosmic science fiction game from Soft Rains, was a standout at Summer Game Fest 2025. The game involves players cleaning alien mold and burying the dead to uncover mysteries of a lost colony. Studio head Joel Burgess and narrative director Kaitlin Tremblay discussed the game's origins and the team's ambition to push sci-fi boundaries.
Bethesda not-so-subtly brags about its physical Oblivion Remastered Switch 2 cartridge, mere hours after Sony announces…
Bethesda Game Studios is highlighting that The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition will be available on a physical game card for the Nintendo Switch 2. This announcement comes shortly after Sony revealed its plan to end physical disc production for new PlayStation games in 2028, sparking discussion about the future of physical media in gaming.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer says it was "pure luck" he directed the RPG at Obsidian: "Almost…
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer attributes his involvement with the RPG to "pure luck," stating he was not part of the initial concept discussions at Obsidian Entertainment. He was approached by studio head Feargus Urquhart to direct the game after a previous project was canceled. Sawyer also mentions the collaborative nature of game development and credits Chris Avellone for the initial idea of the courier being shot.
Xbox reportedly wants to put a stake in Blade and sell off Arkane, even though Todd Howard says development is going…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios or selling it off as part of a cost-cutting strategy, despite assurances from Todd Howard and Jean-Luc Monnet regarding the development of the game Blade. The game, which was initially slated for release this year, has reportedly been delayed to late 2027 and is running over budget, fueling concerns about its future and the studio's survival.
DOOM: The Dark Ages - Revelations Preview — Rip and tear out of Purgatory
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations, a premium expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages, will launch on July 8, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This expansion places the Slayer in a frozen Purgatory, focusing on his backstory and introducing the new Chain Spear weapon for enhanced melee combat and mobility. It promises 10-12 hours of gameplay, with a focus on challenging combat and Metroidvania-style exploration.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Goes Supersonic With New DLC Chain Spear
DOOM: The Dark Ages is releasing its first major DLC, Revelations, on July 7 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. This expansion adds a 10-12 hour story campaign, new arenas, and the versatile Chain Spear weapon, which introduces new attack and movement mechanics. Game Director Hugo Martin highlighted how the Chain Spear will allow players to "make the tanky Dark Ages Slayer fly" and offers significant depth and skill expression.
With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?
Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launches for Switch 2 in August
Bethesda has announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11th. The port, developed by Virtuos, will feature Switch 2-specific enhancements like motion controls and touch screen support, targeting 900p 30fps in handheld and 1080p 30fps docked using DLSS upscaling. The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5 for its modern visuals.
PS5's latest firmware update just started rolling out, here's what you need to know
Sony has begun rolling out a new PlayStation 5 system software update, version 26.04-13.42.00, which focuses on improving system performance and stability. Separately, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is confirmed to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11th, with its physical version containing the full game on cartridge and targeting 900p/30fps handheld and 1080p/30fps docked.
Sure would be great if Oblivion Remastered got patched on PC to coincide with the Switch 2 release
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, with a trailer showcasing its features. The article expresses a desire for the PC version to receive further patches to address lingering bugs and performance issues, similar to those fixed post-launch, to improve its playability on platforms like the Steam Deck.
The Oblivion Remastered Switch 2 port now has a release date
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11th, 2026. The port will feature motion controls, touch screen, and mouse support, with the physical edition including all DLC and armor sets. The game was initially shadow dropped during a Bethesda announcement stream last year.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Bethesda is restocking the official Fallout Pip-Boy 3000 replica. Additionally, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has received an official multiplayer Roblox tie-in game.
Marvel’s Blade Could Be Cancelled as Xbox Considers Shutting Down Arkane Studios – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is considering cancelling Marvel's Blade and potentially closing Arkane Studios in Lyon due to budget concerns and impending layoffs. Other studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs are also reportedly on the chopping block, with potential layoffs extending to id Software and Blizzard Entertainment.
Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead Labs
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several of its gaming studios, including Undead Labs, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. These cuts are reportedly the largest for Xbox and come as the company evaluates its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition. Unionized workers at Xbox are reportedly organizing to negotiate over potential job losses.
After a disastrous Skyrim launch, Switch 2 getting Oblivion Remastered in August is less exciting – especially when Bethesda won't show much gameplay footage or fix the existing versions of this RPG
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11th, releasing on cartridge. However, concerns are high due to the poor performance of Skyrim on Switch 2 at launch and the existing remaster's issues on PC, with many questioning the lack of gameplay footage in the announcement trailer.
