Bethesda
Bethesda business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Bethesda försäkrar att Obsidian ska få behålla sin identitet
Bethesda has assured employees of Obsidian Entertainment that the studio will retain its distinct creative identity and operate as a separate team following its acquisition by Xbox. Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both studios collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?
Readers discuss the upcoming console generation, with skepticism regarding the PlayStation 6's 2027 release due to cost and component shortages, suggesting a delay to 2028. There's also commentary on Xbox's strategic shifts, potential studio closures, and the future of the Xbox brand as a more PC-centric platform. Additionally, discussions touch on game design choices in Fire Emblem and the importance of character design in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Quake Champions takes a shower, shedding all its 2017 live-service grime and becoming a $10 game
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play live-service model to a one-time $10 purchase on Steam. The update removes all live-service elements, including Battle Passes, challenges, stores, and loot boxes, making all champions and most vanity content available to all players. While no further content updates are planned, the game is considered improved by shedding its live-service grime.
Fallout's iconic Vault Boy exists because the devs were struggling to solve an old-school RPG problem
The iconic Vault Boy mascot for the Fallout series originated from a need to create distinct icons for the original game's SPECIAL stat system, which was initially based on the GURPS system. Art director Leonard Boyarsky proposed a cartoon character to represent attributes, leading to the development of Vault Boy, though objections from Steve Jackson Games ultimately led to the creation of the custom SPECIAL system.
Quake Champions moves from F2P to a paid game & unlocks all content for existing players
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a paid game for new players, with all content now unlocked. Existing players will retain access to all content for free, and those who purchased Platinum within the last 60 days will receive a refund. The Microsoft Store version is being retired, with players encouraged to migrate to Steam.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
Report: Bethesda president tells Obsidian staff it won't lose 'creative identity' after merge
Bethesda president Jill Braff reportedly assured Obsidian Entertainment staff that their 'creative identity' will remain intact following the merger into Bethesda. The move, announced by parent company Xbox, involves a change in reporting structure rather than creative oversight. Obsidian leadership will continue to lead the studio, which will report to Braff, while Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both teams collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Obsidian's "creative identity and strengths" will remain intact, promises Bethesda, as it takes control of Fallout: New Vegas studio
Following Xbox's recent reorganisation, Obsidian Entertainment is being moved under Bethesda's umbrella. Bethesda president Jill Braff assured staff that Obsidian's creative identity will remain intact, with CEO Feargus Urquhart continuing to lead the studio. This move comes as Bethesda Game Studios leads the Fallout franchise, with early work on a new Fallout project already underway.
Bethesda Boss Issues Memo to Staff After Xbox Moves Obsidian Into the Fallout Company
Bethesda's head reassured staff that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct entity following its absorption into the Xbox studios as part of a recent reorganisation. This move places Obsidian within the same corporate structure as Bethesda, which is also owned by Xbox.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Baldur's Gate 3 publishing lead worries for Fallout: New Vegas dev Obsidian as Bethesda takes over management of the studio, says he "can't imagine that feels great"
Baldur's Gate 3 publishing lead Michael Douse expressed concern over Bethesda taking over management of Obsidian Entertainment, suggesting it would be a difficult situation for the studio. This news comes amid significant layoffs at Xbox, impacting both Bethesda and Obsidian, and follows the unveiling of a new collaborative Fallout game and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.
Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch
Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.
Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs
Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.
Evening Reading - September 22, 2026
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs affecting 268 employees across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and more. This restructuring includes the next Halo game being developed by Activision, and the merger of Turn 10 and Playground Games. Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment and Rage/World's Edge will now report under Bethesda and Activision respectively.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?
Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.
Obsidian Will Retain Leadership and “Creative Identity” Under Bethesda – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its leadership and creative identity while reporting to Bethesda under a new organizational structure within Xbox. This change comes amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, raising concerns for Obsidian's future despite assurances of continued creative independence and ongoing work on a new Fallout project.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
