ZeniMax Online Studios
ZeniMax Online Studios business and news from across the web.- Elder Scrolls Online details Update 50’s werewolf changes, class mastery passives, and overworld challenge featuresZeniMax Online Studios detailed upcoming changes for The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 50, including a significant overhaul of the werewolf system with updated models and abilities. The update will also introduce class mastery passive updates, allowing players to select two passives per class without skill points, and will expand the overland challenge difficulty feature to affect more of the game's content.
- Elder Scrolls Online’s Jester’s Festival next week will be the first under the new trade bars systemThe Elder Scrolls Online's Jester's Festival in-game event will begin on March 25 and run until April 2, 2026, offering increased XP gains and rewards. This year's event is the first to feature the new trade bars system and Gold Coast Bazaar, allowing players to earn trade bars for daily quest completions.
- Elder Scrolls Online recaps Dragonknight refresh as Update 49 generates some positive buzzThe Elder Scrolls Online's Update 49 has been met with positive reception, particularly the Dragonknight class refresh. ZeniMax Online Studios addressed player feedback regarding ability changes and class balance, confirming the champion system will not be adjusted. While some players expressed minor complaints, the overall sentiment is pleased, with a notable increase in concurrent players on Steam.
Game dev union members marched at GDC to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights'Members of the United Videogame Workers of CWA union marched at the Game Developers Conference to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights.' The proposed bill includes protections against mandatory AI use, anti-crunch policies, and protections for immigrant workers. The union also announced a 'We don't play with ICE campaign' and an upcoming online Gamer Workers Conference.- Elder Scrolls Online’s U49 update arrives today with QOL and the Dragonknight revampThe Elder Scrolls Online has launched Update 49, introducing a revamp for the Dragonknight class and numerous quality-of-life improvements such as higher decoration limits and easier respecs. This update also marks a shift in the game's monetization towards a seasonal model, with past DLC merging into the base game.
- PROBABLYMONSTERS EXPANDS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TO ADVANCE ITS NEXT PHASE OF PORTFOLIO AND PUBLISHING GROWTHIndependent video game company ProbablyMonsters has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointments of Jonathan Lander as Chief Publishing Officer, David Reid as Chief Marketing Officer, and Mark Subotnick as Chief Product Officer. These additions reinforce the company's integrated development and publishing strategy as it scales its portfolio of original titles.
- Elder Scrolls Online’s four oldest DLC merge into the base game offering starting next weekStarting March 9 with Update 49, four classic The Elder Scrolls Online DLCs – Orsinium, Imperial City, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood – will be merged into the base game for all players at no extra charge. ZeniMax Online Studios also reiterated that future content will be free updates, with the game funded through its box fee, optional subscription, and premium battle pass.
- Elder Scrolls Online’s U49 is packed with quality-of-life stuff players (and devs) have wanted a long timeThe Elder Scrolls Online's Update 49, launching simultaneously on PC and consoles, introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements requested by players and developers. These updates focus on reducing friction, improving systems, and enhancing player experience with features like higher inventory limits, streamlined mount training, and easier respecs. Additionally, the Gold Road Collection is being offered as a PlayStation Plus monthly game in March.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As Xbox BossThis analysis breaks down Phil Spencer's tenure as Xbox boss from 2014 to 2026, highlighting both successes like backward compatibility and the launch of Xbox Game Pass, and failures such as studio closures, game cancellations, and price hikes. The article details major events year-by-year, concluding with Spencer's retirement and the challenges facing Xbox under new leadership.
Todd Howard says Bethesda isn't 'fully ignoring' AIBethesda game director Todd Howard stated that the studio is cautiously exploring artificial intelligence as a tool for data analysis and long-term player insights, rather than for content generation. He emphasized the importance of artistic intention and human creativity in game development. This approach aligns with Xbox's broader exploration of AI features, though other studios under the Xbox umbrella have had varied experiences with AI implementation and mandates.- The Elder Scrolls Online: NecromThe Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom introduces the versatile Arcanist class, allowing players to master arcane magic, runes, and ancient tomes. This expansion offers a fresh experience with a focus on personalized playstyles and deep lore integration. The game was reviewed on Xbox Series X and is also available on PC and macOS.
How to Make Money in Elder Scrolls OnlineThis guide details various methods for players to earn in-game currency, referred to as 'ESO Gold,' within The Elder Scrolls Online. It covers strategies such as crafting, stealing, completing quests for various guilds, running dungeons, and playing with friends to maximize earnings and progress within the game's economy.