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Xbox Support Pledges To Help Customer Reclaim His Hacked Account
Xbox Support has pledged to assist streamer Joshua Khane in recovering his hacked account and data after an initial refusal by Microsoft sparked public outcry. This incident follows recent mass layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division and reports of potential price hikes for Xbox consoles.
As Xbox fan goes viral for losing account with games worth "thousands of euros" and their "son's baby pictures," official support says it's "working to restore access"
Streamer Joshua Khane lost access to his Microsoft account, including thousands of euros worth of games and personal photos, after his OneDrive was permanently suspended due to unauthorized access. Xbox Support has acknowledged the issue and stated they are working to restore access to his purchases. This incident highlights the risks associated with digital ownership and account security.
Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed…
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to the departure of dozens of employees and several key leadership figures, including studio head Joseph Burba. The studio's MMO team has been reduced to a size not seen in over a decade, raising concerns about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. New leadership, Joshua Henderson and Nick Giacomini, will take over during a transition period.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
Zenimax Online Studios leadership included in widespread Xbox job cuts, as concerns around Elder Scrolls Online's longevity persist
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen several senior leadership members and 379 employees impacted by widespread layoffs at Xbox. This follows similar cuts last year and raises concerns about the longevity of the MMO, though the studio insists it remains committed to the game. A new leadership team will be formed from remaining staff over the coming months.
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.
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.
ZeniMax Online Studios is Losing its Leadership Team – Rumor
ZeniMax Online Studios is reportedly undergoing significant layoffs, with several veteran developers and leadership team members, including studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz, departing the company. These departures follow earlier reports of 213 employees being let go, significantly reducing the studio's workforce. The studio plans to transition to a new leadership team comprised of internal veterans over the next few months.
Blizzard ends support for Overwatch's MOBA-inspired Stadium mode, no more heroes or maps to be added
Blizzard Entertainment is ending support for Overwatch's Stadium mode due to low player numbers, with no new heroes or maps planned. Game director Aaron Keller announced that while Stadium will receive seasonal balance updates, development focus will shift to new experimental 6v6 modes aimed at improving match dynamics and player experience in Role Queue.
Comings and Goings
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting numerous studios and projects. Industry figures like Jason Schreier have reported on the scale of these cuts, with outlets like Game Developer and BBC analyzing the implications for the gaming giant's future.
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.
"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.
IWGB Game Workers union forms 'redundancy taskforce' to defend workers' rights
The IWGB Game Workers Union has formed a new taskforce to support workers facing redundancy, aiming to ensure all layoffs are legal and fair. This initiative comes amid widespread layoffs in the industry, including recent cuts at Xbox and Rockstar Games. The union highlights the need for solidarity and worker empowerment against what they describe as mismanagement and greed.
'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.
The Elder Scrolls Online Team Can’t Release Content At Its Previous Speed , Says Former Developer
A former senior encounter designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Morgan Goin, stated that recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios will significantly slow down the MMORPG's content release pace. Goin, who was among those laid off, expressed surprise, as internal reports suggested the studio was performing well and contributing positively to Microsoft's metrics. The layoffs have reduced the studio's workforce considerably, impacting its ability to maintain its previously announced seasonal content roadmap.
DOOM Studio’s Claims That it Can Still Make Games “Stretches Reality”, Says Former Employee
A former id Software employee claims the studio's assertion of having sufficient staff after recent layoffs is unrealistic, stating that critical programming, engineering, and design teams have been significantly depleted. The employee highlighted the loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning the id Tech engine, and suggested that the studio's ability to develop future games is compromised. id Software maintains its headcount is comparable to the DOOM (2016) development period and is committed to its philosophy of all employees being makers.
"How Ubisoft and Embracer leadership aren't in prison absolutely eludes me": Helldivers 2 studio QA manager laments "darkest timeline" as layoffs hurt thousands
Arrowhead Game Studios QA manager Dave Gallacher criticizes the current state of the video game industry, highlighting massive layoffs at companies like Xbox, Ubisoft, and Embracer Group. He expresses frustration with corporate greed and the perceived misuse of funds, particularly concerning the rise of AI in game development. Gallacher laments the "darkest timeline" for developers, while acknowledging his own complex feelings about the industry despite the ongoing turmoil.
Compulsion Games posts call for business partners after Xbox spinoff
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, is seeking business partners for collaboration after its recent spinoff from Xbox. The studio, which has received multiple awards for its original IP, aims to leverage its talent and creativity for future projects. This move follows a significant restructure within Xbox, which included layoffs and the divestment of several studios.
