ZeniMax Online Studios
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Elder Scrolls Online previews the puzzle rooms and replayability of its upcoming Nowhere Vault
The Elder Scrolls Online is set to introduce new puzzle rooms and replayable features with its upcoming Nowhere Vault content. Devs promise challenges that test wit, mobility, stealth, and awareness, alongside randomly generated elements like treasures, rooms, and encounters.
Amid relentless layoffs at Xbox, Fable lead says "so many people" at the company see the RPG as "vital to the DNA of the platform," which "protected us over a long development cycle"
Despite significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of other projects, the upcoming RPG Fable is considered vital to the platform's identity, which has protected its long development cycle. Director Ralph Fulton believes the game is important to video games as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements. Fable is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
The MOP Up: Elder Scrolls Online invites you to vote on its features
The Elder Scrolls Online has launched new Feature Upvote dashboards, allowing players to submit ideas, provide feedback, and report bugs to the development team. This initiative follows a successful beta period and aims to involve the community in game improvements. The article also rounds up other smaller MMO news, including updates for Farm Together 2, ARC Raiders, For Honor, DC Universe Online, World of Warships, Wartales, Meccha Chameleon, Hearthstone, Crossout, Arena Breakout, and Trove.
Blizzard union workers ratify historic contract covering 1,900 employees
Employees at Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Microsoft, have ratified a new union contract covering 1,900 workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The historic agreement includes protections for AI usage, layoff recall rights, improved severance, wage increases, and a three-day hybrid work week, setting a new industry standard.
Elder Scrolls Online shares a peek at its Warden refresh, which is still on track for 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios has provided an update on the planned refresh for the Warden class in The Elder Scrolls Online, confirming it is still on track for a 2027 release. The refresh aims to preserve the class's core identity while addressing visual elements and skill line issues, with new abilities and visual updates shown. The studio also announced that Templar changes will follow the Warden refresh, shifting from the previously planned Sorcerer update.
Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of unionized video game workers rallied across North America to protest recent layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and allies gathered to call out corporate greed and demand fair contracts, citing multiple rounds of job cuts impacting studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 3,200 job eliminations, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, leading to legal action from the CWA against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of the cuts.
Elder Scrolls Online begins testing its solo-friendly revamp of two 2018 DLC dungeons
The Elder Scrolls Online is testing a revamp of two 2018 DLC dungeons, Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices, for solo play. These redesigned dungeons will be available in the fall as part of update 51 and season 2. ZeniMax Online Studios is encouraging players to test the solo-friendly versions on the Public Test Server.
Bethsoft devs roast Microsoft with a giant inflatable rat as unions plan huge rallies next week
Developers at Bethesda Game Studios have protested Microsoft's recent mass layoffs by erecting a giant inflatable rat and flags representing laid-off workers outside their Rockville HQ. This action precedes planned rallies by Microsoft game developers across the US and Canada on August 18th to protest layoffs and corporate greed.
Xbox leadership's words are drowned out by their actions
Despite assurances from Xbox leadership, the company's actions, including mass layoffs and studio closures, paint a grim picture for its talent and future projects. While executives like Asha Sharma mention upcoming games like The Elder Scrolls 6, these words are seen as empty promises contrasting with the reality of job cuts at studios like id Software and Bethesda.
'One flag for each laid off dev:' Union workers stage unmissable protest for Xbox boss Asha Sharma
Union workers from the Communications Workers of America protested outside Bethesda's office during Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's visit, deploying an inflatable rat and red flags to represent each employee laid off under her leadership. The protest aimed to highlight the human cost of recent mass layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division, which have affected studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios.
Elder Scrolls Online opens testing for random puzzle dungeons known as the Nowhere Vault
ZeniMax Online Studios has opened public testing for the Nowhere Vault, a new randomized puzzle dungeon for The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 51. Players will navigate three distinct wings filled with puzzles, stealth, and combat challenges, with secret objectives tied to a hidden treasure. The content is slated for a September 28th release.
Elder Scrolls Online has begun public testing part of Update 52, now due out September 28
ZeniMax Online has launched the public test server for Update 51 of The Elder Scrolls Online, with the full release scheduled for September 28th. The update includes the Nowhere Vault challenge, a rumor system, and various quality-of-life improvements, though some content like the High Seas of Tamriel event and season 2 content will roll out later. Game director Nick Giacomini provided a roadmap for upcoming content, including updates planned for 2027.
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
The Elder Scrolls Online Delaying Some Updates to 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios is delaying some updates for The Elder Scrolls Online to 2027 as the studio adjusts to Microsoft's recent game publishing shakeups. The game director communicated this change via a message on the official website.
The Elder Scrolls Online Director Outlines Content Roadmap Following Xbox Layoffs
Following significant layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, game director Nick Giacomini has outlined a revised content roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online. Some features, including a new trial and combat refresh, have been pushed to 2027 to allow the team to re-establish development pipelines. Update 51 has been delayed to September 28th and will introduce new content and features, while ongoing seasonal content and events will proceed as planned.
'We are not looking to just maintain' Elder Scrolls Online, new ZeniMax boss says, but a bunch of updates have been delayed into 2027 and possibly beyond
ZeniMax Online Studios co-head Nick Giacomini stated that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to growth despite recent layoffs impacting the studio. However, significant updates, including the Class and Combat Refresh and a new Trial, have been delayed to 2027 or later. Update 51 is still scheduled for September 27, with Season 2 launching October 21.
After Layoffs, New Elder Scrolls Online Content Is Delayed But Still Coming
Despite recent layoffs, ZeniMax Online Studios has confirmed that new content for The Elder Scrolls Online is still planned, with a roadmap for 2026 and 2027. Some anticipated updates, including a combat and class refresh, have been delayed to prioritize quality. New content for the remainder of 2024 includes Update 51 and Season Two, featuring solo dungeons and various improvements.
‘We are not looking to just maintain the game,’ Elder Scrolls Online boss says in new post-layoff roadmap
Following recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, Game Director Nick Giacomini has addressed players regarding the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. He confirmed the studio's dedication to the game's growth and outlined a revised roadmap, with some features like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52's PvP zone now slated for 2027. The studio will also collaborate more closely with Bethesda Game Studios.
Xbox hardware revenue fell by $1.7 billion during fiscal 2026
Xbox hardware revenue saw a significant decrease of 7%, approximately $1.7 billion, in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This decline is attributed to reduced console sales and a 5% drop in Xbox content and services revenue, despite growth in Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft also faces ongoing challenges with component shortages and has implemented mass layoffs across its gaming division.
Elder Scrolls Online’s newly launched quest involves Uncle Sheogorath and cheese, of course
The Elder Scrolls Online has released a new story questline titled 'Sheogorath Takes a Holiday,' available for all players. This update features the Daedric Prince Sheogorath and his obsession with cheese as players embark on six new quests across Tamriel. The quest is free for all players and introduces a new Blessed Cheese emote, alongside a Golden Pursuits campaign running until August 12th.