The Elder Scrolls Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Elder Scrolls Online across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox…
ZeniMax Online Studios, developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has reportedly returned to its circa 2015-2018 headcount following recent layoffs, a situation echoed by id Software. This mirrors the size the studios were during the development of acclaimed DLCs like Orsinium and Summerset. The article critiques this narrative, arguing that a decade of growth cannot be undone without significant impact, regardless of current headcount.
The Elder Scrolls Online's developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years
Microsoft's recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, impacting an estimated 60% of the workforce, are criticized as cruel and short-sighted. Despite The Elder Scrolls Online's profitability and a recent positive shift in player sentiment and development strategy, the studio has faced significant workforce reductions, including the cancellation of the long-in-development Project Blackbird. This analysis argues that these cuts jeopardize the future of the MMO and the Elder Scrolls franchise's presence in the gaming landscape.
Elder Scrolls Online devs say the team is now the size it was in the 2015-2018 era
Following recent layoffs, ZeniMax Online Studios staff have indicated that the development team for The Elder Scrolls Online is now comparable in size to its teams during the development of the acclaimed Wrothgar and Summerset expansions. This suggests a continued path for new content rather than a shift to maintenance mode, despite the difficult circumstances for those impacted.
WRUP: Welcome to Gleepgurp’s Annual Whatever Awards edition
This installment of Gleepgurp's annual awards features host Feldon Snurch complaining about his long-term contract and the bizarre award categories. Staff and community members share their weekend gaming plans, including Pokemon Go, Guild Wars 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Warframe, and Crimson Desert, while also discussing hobbies they wish they had pursued.
'Surprised there was anyone left to post this': Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online debuts seasonal content days after hundreds laid off from studio
ZeniMax Online Studios has launched its first-ever seasonal content, 'Return of the Thieves Guild,' for The Elder Scrolls Online. This launch occurs just days after the studio reportedly laid off 213 employees, more than half of its development team, as part of wider layoffs at Xbox. Player reactions on social media and forums have largely focused on expressing sympathy for the affected developers and criticizing Microsoft's timing and actions, rather than discussing the new content itself.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?
Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.
Perfect Ten: 10 ways that Elder Scrolls Online quietly got good in 2026
Despite a shift away from its traditional expansion model and subsequent team reductions by Microsoft, The Elder Scrolls Online has seen significant improvements in 2026. Updates 49 and 50 introduced more base game content, a challenge difficulty system, class and weapon skill line reworks, subclassing options, and new event zones like the Night Market and Vengeance PvP campaign.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
The Daily Grind: What’s the most neglected MMO on your hard drive?
This article discusses the phenomenon of keeping MMORPGs installed on a hard drive even when not actively playing them, often due to a sense of loyalty or the hope of returning. The author highlights The Elder Scrolls Online and Ultima Online as examples of games they personally keep but rarely play, posing the question to readers about their own neglected MMOs.
Bethesda union staff to march outside studios over Xbox layoffs: 'The company wants us to accept this as a done…
Bethesda developers, organized as the OneBGS union, are planning a protest march across studios on July 15th to oppose recent layoffs by Xbox. The union criticizes these layoffs as a recurring issue and aims to show management the adverse impact on remaining staff and studio talent, citing significant staff reductions at Zenimax Online Studios and id Software, and the closure of studios responsible for games like Hi-Fi Rush and Prey.
Elder Scrolls 6 faces delays as Microsoft lays off people that were making it
Bethesda Game Studios employees are concerned that The Elder Scrolls 6 may face significant delays following recent layoffs impacting over 50 staff members, including a 27-year veteran. These cuts, part of broader Xbox layoffs, have raised fears about project timelines, potential reliance on contract labor, and a decline in studio morale, especially after the reception of Starfield.
Elder Scrolls Online’s former CM: ‘I wouldn’t trade the past 18 years for anything’
Former Elder Scrolls Online community manager Gina Bruno expressed gratitude for her 18 years with the game following recent layoffs. She shared messages from players highlighting the game's positive impact on their lives and friendships. The article also touches on community reactions to the layoffs and misunderstandings regarding Microsoft's financial decisions.
Microsoft filing shows total ZeniMax layoffs at 379, with over half coming from Elder Scrolls Online studio that's lost at least 60% of its staff in the past year
Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media has resulted in significant layoffs, with a total of 379 employees affected across ZeniMax Online Studios and ZeniMax Media. ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen over half of its staff depart in the past year, reducing its workforce to approximately 40% of its previous size despite the game's consistent revenue.
Morning Gatherings and Events
The Elder Scrolls Online has launched Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild. This new season introduces new content and events for players of the popular MMORPG.
Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild is Now Live in The Elder Scrolls Online
Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild, a new content update for The Elder Scrolls Online, is now available. This update introduces new content and activities for players across all platforms.
Microsoft’s nonsensical Elder Scrolls Online layoffs cut 213 staff, according to WARN Act disclosure
Microsoft has laid off 213 employees from ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, and 166 from ZeniMax, which includes Fallout 76. This news comes from a WARN Act disclosure and adds to previous layoffs at the studio. Despite the significant cuts, The Elder Scrolls Online has reportedly been a consistent revenue generator for over a decade.
Xbox had laid off 379 Zenimax workers in Maryland
Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off 379 employees across ZeniMax Media Inc. and ZeniMax Online Studios in Maryland. The cuts, effective September 4, 2026, impact 213 workers at The Elder Scrolls Online developer and 166 at ZeniMax Media Inc. This follows a broader trend of job reductions at Xbox, with a total of 3,200 roles being cut across the division.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Layoffs Affect 213 Employees
ZeniMax Online Studios has laid off 213 employees, a significant portion of its workforce, following Microsoft's broader layoffs impacting Xbox. This reduction has led to a shift in the content roadmap for the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. Former employees expressed disappointment and concern over the impact on the game's development and the team's well-being.
Fallout and Elder Scrolls union says Bethesda layoffs didn't hurt Microsoft's "14 layers of management" – "We lost dozens of programmers, artists, designers and testers"
Microsoft's recent layoffs significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online, Obsidian Entertainment, and id Software, affecting dozens of programmers, artists, designers, and testers, not just management. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed outrage, calling the cuts a "stressful annual routine" and urging fans to voice concerns through Microsoft's feedback portal to prevent future layoffs and studio closures.
