ZeniMax Online Studios
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Fallout 5, Remasters and New Games Confirmed, But Can They Save Bethesda?
Bethesda has outlined its future game development plans, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are coming. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the primary focus, with Starfield set to receive ongoing updates and new content. The studio also addressed recent layoffs and fan concerns about its direction.
Bethesda confirms new Fallout 76 expansion, closer partnership with ZOS on Elder Scrolls franchise
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax Online Studios have confirmed a major expansion for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock, serving as a prequel to Fallout 3. The studios are also entering a closer partnership on the Elder Scrolls franchise, with The Elder Scrolls VI being a priority. Additionally, Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and Bethesda is collaborating with Obsidian Entertainment on a new Fallout project and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
Bethesda Boss Talks Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 5, Xbox Layoffs, And More
Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard provided updates on multiple upcoming projects, confirming that The Elder Scrolls 6 is the studio's primary focus and Fallout 5 is in pre-production. He also revealed that Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas will receive full remakes, and that Starfield will get a Starborn DLC. Howard also touched on the recent Xbox layoffs and the ongoing development of Bethesda's franchises.
Comings and Goings
Microsoft is facing legal action from video game unions in the US and Canada over alleged unfair labor practices related to recent Xbox layoffs. ZeniMax Online Studios is also mentioned in connection with these labor disputes.
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters confirmed, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian
Bethesda Game Studios announced several upcoming projects, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. The Elder Scrolls VI is prioritized over Fallout 5, with both titles being developed on Creation Engine 3. Fallout 76 will receive a prequel story expansion titled Raven Rock, and Starfield will get new Starborn content.
Fallout 5 is in preproduction alongside The Elder Scrolls 6's development, while Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters are on the way, Bethesda confirm
Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout 5 is in preproduction alongside The Elder Scrolls 6, with both games utilizing the new Creation Engine 3. Additionally, remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development. The studio also detailed ongoing support for Starfield and Fallout 76, including a prequel expansion to Fallout 3 titled Raven Rock.
Unions file unfair labor complaints accusing Microsoft of ‘unlawful’ firings and ‘coercive’ action at Xbox studios
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft and Xbox studios, including ZeniMax Online Studios, over recent layoffs. The complaints accuse Microsoft of failing to provide information, modifying contracts, engaging in surveillance, and refusing to bargain with union members. Xbox has stated they are committed to beginning bargaining with the CWA.
Bethesda reveals plans for Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls 6, and more
Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard has outlined the studio's future plans, confirming Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are in development. The studio is also working on remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a Fallout Shelter TV show with Amazon Studios, and continued support for Fallout 76 and Starfield. The company is emphasizing user-generated content and closer collaboration between its studios.
Labor unions challenge Xbox, GameStop CEO says physical game sales are 'irrelevant,' and Glen Schofield retires - Patch Notes #61
Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling recent Xbox layoffs, citing "coercive actions" and "unilateral changes." Meanwhile, Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield has retired from game development, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game sales are "irrelevant" to the company's business.
Evening Reading - July 16, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various industry news, including layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, the Call of Duty League Championship, and NVIDIA's expansion into Japan. It also features reviews for Denshattack! and Buc-ee's, a look back at Two Point Studios' decade, and mentions of Netflix's earnings and Hasbro's deal with Nintendo for Legend of Zelda toys. The article also highlights rotoscoping in indie game development and includes a personal reflection from CEO Asif Khan.
A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS
Bethesda Game Studios outlined its future plans, confirming ongoing development for Starfield, Fallout 5, and The Elder Scrolls VI using Creation Engine 3. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout 76 expansion titled Raven Rock, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. Additionally, they highlighted the success of their Creations platform and the upcoming Fallout Shelter television series.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Remains Bethesda’s “Primary Development Focus”: “We’re Where We Planned To Be”
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the studio's primary development focus, with the majority of the team working on the title. Despite concerns about development following layoffs and the use of contractors, the studio stated they are on track with their planned development schedule. While no release date or window has been provided, the game is reportedly playable internally.
New Fallout by Obsidian Confirmed, The Elder Scrolls Online Team to “Partner Closely” With Bethesda
Obsidian Entertainment is confirmed to be working on a new Fallout project in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. ZeniMax Online Studios will also partner closely with Bethesda on The Elder Scrolls franchise, potentially supporting The Elder Scrolls 6 and continuing content for The Elder Scrolls Online. The article also touches on the potential cancellation of Avowed 2 at Obsidian.
ZeniMax Online Studio Head Joseph Burba & more senior devs cut in latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant layoffs, with Studio Head Joseph Burba and other senior figures like Producer Susan Kath, Studio Game Director Rich Lambert, and Production Director Ala Diaz being among those affected. These cuts are part of a larger wave of job reductions at Xbox, impacting studios like id Software and Obsidian Entertainment. Josh Henderson is reportedly set to replace Burba as studio head.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership included in Xbox mass layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, is experiencing significant layoffs affecting 379 employees across ZeniMax, including senior leadership. This is part of broader job cuts at Xbox and Microsoft, with some affected employees represented by the Communications Workers of America union. Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of these layoffs.
Microsoft’s mass layoffs see a fresh management turnover for top MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft has undergone significant management changes at ZeniMax Online Studios following mass layoffs affecting The Elder Scrolls Online team. Studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, production director Alan Diaz, and game director Rich Lambert are departing, with Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini set to lead a new management team.
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs
Microsoft's recent layoffs have impacted the leadership team of The Elder Scrolls Online, including studio head Jo Burba, who recently took on the role. Several key figures have departed, leading to a transition in leadership to Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini. These changes come after significant job cuts at Xbox and ZeniMax, with concerns raised about the future content output for the MMO.
