ZeniMax Online Studios
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Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger Franchises
Xbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
DOOM, The Elder Scrolls Online Studios “Cutting a Significant Number of Staff” – Rumor
Reports 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.
Elder Scrolls Online’s new Thieves Guild content releases next week with season one
The 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 threat
Rumors 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.
Elder Scrolls Online previews the season track awards coming with next week’s Season One
ZeniMax 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.
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last year
Unionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This 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, Florida
ZeniMax 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.
Elder Scrolls Online discusses the arrival of Nowhere Vault, antiquities updates, and solo dungeons in U51
ZeniMax 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.
5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
Microsoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
Report: Redundancies at Microsoft owned Zenimax have begun
Microsoft has reportedly begun significant layoffs and studio closures within its Zenimax Media division, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions are also facing potential shutdowns. This news follows recent announcements about Xbox game exclusivity and a reported decline in profitability, indicating a major business reset for the brand.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Elder Scrolls Online’s ‘hybridization initiative’ continues with update 51, due out August 31
ZeniMax Online Studios is continuing its 'hybridization initiative' with The Elder Scrolls Online's upcoming Update 51, scheduled for August 31. This update will further streamline character resources and stats by removing or replacing duplicated effects and overhauling systems like Mundus Stones, buffs, class passives, and alchemy to lower the barrier for creating effective builds.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 568: Take me home, Tyrian roads
The Massively OP Podcast episode 568 covers the official announcement of Guild Wars 3, release windows for Aion 2, Stars Reach, Loftia, Dune Awakening, and Valheim, and early access updates for Camelot Unchained and Eterspire. The hosts also discuss Star Wars: The Old Republic's Update 7.9 and The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 50.
Elder Scrolls Online launches U50 and difficulty tools today while teasing S1’s Thieves Guild reboot
The Elder Scrolls Online is launching Update 50 today, introducing new features like the Vengeance PvP campaign, Veterancy system, and a challenge difficulty option. The update also teases the upcoming "Return of the Thieves Guild" season, which will revamp the classic DLC with new story content and systems, beginning July 8th.
The indie team that spun out of Project Blackbird just announced friendslop game Hijinks High
Indie studio Sackbird, formed by former ZeniMax Online Studios developers who were laid off after the cancellation of Project Blackbird, has announced its first game, Hijinks High. This multiplayer party game tasks players with causing as much mayhem as possible in a school setting before the final bell rings, with an extraction element involving escaping faculty.
Elder Scrolls Online’s Vengeance PvP campaign is finally launching with next week’s update 50
ZeniMax Online Studios is launching the Vengeance Player vs Player campaign permanently into The Elder Scrolls Online with Update 50 on June 8. This mode features massive battles with up to 900 players, modified abilities, and unique perks, with campaigns lasting 30 days. Players level 10 and above can access the campaign through the Alliance War menu.
FORMER ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE DEVELOPERS REVEAL DEBUT TITLE HIJINKS HIGH
Sackbird Studios, founded by former The Elder Scrolls Online developers, has revealed its debut title, Hijinks High. This chaotic first-person multiplayer party game is set to launch on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Players can team up with up to five friends to cause mayhem and pull pranks in a school setting before the final bell rings.
