The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online business and news from across the web.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id SoftwareXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced sweeping layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, or 20% of the organization. Several studios, including Bethesda, Zenimax Online Studios, and id Software, have confirmed job losses, with up to half of the team working on The Elder Scrolls Online reportedly impacted. Five studios are being divested, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs in the process of being acquired.
Elder Scrolls Online developer left reeling by Xbox layoffs—with teams gutted, senior talent gone, and roadmaps…ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of Elder Scrolls Online, has been significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs, with reports indicating that half of the active content development team has been let go. This follows a previous round of job losses at the studio in 2025 and raises concerns about the future of the game's roadmap and development.
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax hit hard by Xbox layoffs, says unionMicrosoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax Media, with the Bethesda Game Workers Union reporting that many employees have been let go. Reports indicate that studios like id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are also cutting a substantial number of staff. These reductions are part of a broader reorganization across various Microsoft gaming divisions to focus on higher priority projects.
As ZeniMax also faces cuts, Xbox seeks a "significant overhaul" to focus on Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Quake, and other big franchisesMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant overhaul, including layoffs affecting approximately 3200 jobs and restructuring at ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks. The focus will shift to major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Quake, potentially impacting the future of other IPs and studios like Arkane.- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
DOOM, The Elder Scrolls Online Studios “Cutting a Significant Number of Staff” – RumorReports indicate that id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, both part of ZeniMax Media, are experiencing significant layoffs. While these studios are not closing, a substantial number of staff are being let go. This news follows broader layoffs at Xbox and impacts studios responsible for franchises like DOOM and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.- Elder Scrolls Online’s new Thieves Guild content releases next week with season oneThe Elder Scrolls Online is releasing new Thieves Guild content as part of its Season One on July 8. The Thieves Guild DLC has been integrated into the base game, allowing all players access to a new story and questline in Glenumbra. This update includes new rewards, daily activities, and heists, alongside improvements to the Glenumbra zone.
Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
It’s Not Too Late To Shop Best Buy’s 4th Of July SaleBest Buy is holding its annual Fourth of July sale, offering discounts on a wide range of products including video games, gaming PCs, and accessories. Notable deals include titles like Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Resident Evil Requiem, as well as Alienware gaming desktops and various peripherals from brands like Razer and Asus. The sale provides an opportunity to purchase gaming gear at reduced prices before the holiday ends.- Elder Scrolls Online previews the season track awards coming with next week’s Season OneZeniMax Online Studios has previewed the seasonal reward tracks, known as Tamriel Tomes, for The Elder Scrolls Online's upcoming Season One, launching July 8th. This season's rewards will focus more on PvE activities and include various currencies, consumables, furnishings, and unique cosmetic items. Players can earn rewards through a free track or a premium track, with the latter offering additional bonuses and persistent access.
Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOWNVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding 12 new games in July, including Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The service also highlights ongoing summer savings on its Performance and Ultimate memberships, allowing users to stream games across various devices with RTX-powered performance.
July is a little light on the big new game releases, but your co-op horror Discord gang will be feastin'July 2026 will see a lighter release schedule for major new games, with a focus on co-op horror titles and notable remakes like Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced and Halo: Campaign Evolved. The month also includes updates for existing titles such as Palworld, Final Fantasy 14, and Doom: The Dark Ages, alongside various Steam sales and events.
My Two Weeks Back in Dead by Daylight in 2026 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & GuidesA returning player details their two-week experience with Dead by Daylight in 2026, noting the game's continued growth and familiar yet exciting content. Despite overwhelming additions and a steep learning curve for both new and returning players due to intense matchmaking, the game remains a thriving 4v1 horror experience with a healthy community and well-maintained by Behaviour Interactive.- MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffsThis week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
- The Daily Grind: What concepts do MMORPGs keep trying to reinvent for a new generation?This article discusses how MMORPG developers often reintroduce older game design concepts as if they are new innovations. A ZeniMax Online Studios developer's comment about a new dungeon type is used as an example, highlighting how open dungeons were common in early MMOs like Ultima Online and EverQuest before becoming less prevalent after World of Warcraft.
- Elder Scrolls Online plans a dev panel for a fan event at July’s GCX Event in Orlando, FloridaZeniMax Online Studios will host a special panel for The Elder Scrolls Online at the GCX Event in Orlando, Florida, on July 24th and 25th. The panel, featuring Associate Design Director Mike Finnigan and Principal Creator Engagement Manager Gina Bruno, will focus on improving the community feedback loop in the game's development and will be livestreamed.
- Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead LabsRumors 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.
- The best MMO and multiplayer deals from Steam’s 2026 summer sale and beyondSteam's 2026 Summer Sale is offering significant discounts on a wide variety of MMO and multiplayer titles, including bundles and individual game sales. Notable deals include discounts on Palworld, Guild Wars 2, Dune Awakening, Destiny 2 DLC, Elder Scrolls Online, and many more, with prices slashed across numerous genres and publishers.
- Elder Scrolls Online discusses the arrival of Nowhere Vault, antiquities updates, and solo dungeons in U51ZeniMax Online Studios detailed upcoming features for The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 51, including UI customization for PC players, streamlined antiquities system, a new multi-stage Nowhere Vault dungeon launching July 8th, and solo dungeons with selectable difficulties. The update also brings transmutation stations to Imperial City and Cyrodiil, alongside UI improvements for housing.