ZeniMax Online Studios
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Elder Scrolls Online invites you to test upcoming Season 2 and 3 content
ZeniMax Studios has released Update 52 to the public test server for The Elder Scrolls Online, allowing players to preview content from the game's upcoming Season 2 and Season 3. Features available for testing include a UI mini-map, increased housing limits, more companion customization options, Rimegale incursions, and a 40v40v40 PvP zone called Jerall Pass.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma says "we will not survive" without "enduring new IP," despite being in the middle of laying off 3,200 employees and parting ways with numerous studios
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company "will not survive" without creating new, enduring intellectual property, despite ongoing restructuring that includes 3,200 layoffs and several studios becoming independent or having projects canceled. Sharma emphasized the need for invention and reaching new audiences, while also acknowledging the importance of backing strong franchises. The company is set to publish Hideo Kojima's upcoming games OD and Physint.
The Elder Scrolls Online is undergoing a "renaissance," as the MMO's devs say they saw what's "been going for 12 years and decided to make some changes"
ZeniMax Online Studios is shifting The Elder Scrolls Online's content strategy away from its annual DLC model towards a new season system with varied playstyles. This 'renaissance' aims to re-engage players with less combat-focused content and new experiences like the Nowhere Vault and High Seas of Tamriel, while still planning for larger, traditional zone releases.
Jobs roundup: October | Code Wizards Group appoints Catherine Bygrave as head of commercial
Several key figures have moved into new roles within the games industry. Michał Platkow-Gilewski was promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red, while Catherine Bygrave was appointed head of commercial at Code Wizards Group. Other notable appointments include Daniel Smith as executive producer at Playground Games, Gero Micciché as lead producer at 2K and Hangar 13 Games, and Tymon Smektala as executive producer at Bloober Team's Broken Mirror Games.
Jobs roundup: October | Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott voted chair of UKIE
Several key appointments have been made across the UK games industry. Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack, has been voted chair of UKIE, succeeding Maria Sayans. Murray Pannell joins Steel City Interactive as head of publishing, while Dean Anderson leads MV&P's APAC partnerships. Catherine Bygrave is the new head of commercial at Code Wizards Group, and Michał Platkow-Gilewski has been promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
Interview: Elder Scrolls Online on Update 51’s experimental features and shaking up the MMO’s formula
ZeniMax Online Studios developers Nick Giacomini, Jason Barnes, and Michael Zenke discuss the experimental features in The Elder Scrolls Online's upcoming Update 51, including the Nowhere Vault, the Rumors system, and the High Seas of Tamriel event. They emphasize a desire to innovate and evolve the MMORPG formula to keep players engaged.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
Xbox’s next wave of layoffs and game studio consolidation is reportedly happening this week
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for another wave of layoffs and studio consolidation this week, affecting hundreds of game developers. This follows previous cuts that impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online. The potential consolidation also includes Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard.
Xbox’s Second Wave Of Planned Layoffs Is Reportedly Starting As Studios Face Major Restructuring
Xbox is reportedly initiating a second wave of layoffs, affecting approximately 1,600 employees, as part of a major restructuring of its gaming division. This initiative, led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, aims to make the division more profitable and involves consolidating studios and potentially moving franchises like Halo to Activision Blizzard. Several first-party studios have also recently become independent or been sold off.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
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.
