ZeniMax Online Studios
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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.
Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed…
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to the departure of dozens of employees and several key leadership figures, including studio head Joseph Burba. The studio's MMO team has been reduced to a size not seen in over a decade, raising concerns about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. New leadership, Joshua Henderson and Nick Giacomini, will take over during a transition period.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has experienced significant leadership changes due to recent Xbox layoffs, with studio head Joseph Burba, ESO producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz among those departing. Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working alongside game director Nick Giacomini. A total of 213 positions were eliminated at ZeniMax Online Studios.
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant leadership changes and layoffs, with over 200 staff members, including studio head Joseph Burba and executive producer Susan Kath, being let go as part of broader Xbox workforce reductions. This follows previous contractions in the studio's headcount, raising concerns about the future development and growth of the game despite assurances from remaining leadership.
ZeniMax Online Studios is Losing its Leadership Team – Rumor
ZeniMax Online Studios is reportedly undergoing significant layoffs, with several veteran developers and leadership team members, including studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz, departing the company. These departures follow earlier reports of 213 employees being let go, significantly reducing the studio's workforce. The studio plans to transition to a new leadership team comprised of internal veterans over the next few months.
Devs recount chaotic Xbox firings as modders rally behind Bethsoft and ZOS unions
Developers recount chaotic and cruel firings at Xbox, Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software, with employees reportedly notified via brief, disabled video calls. Remaining staff face low morale and increased workloads, with union members disproportionately affected. The PC modding community has shown support for affected developers by creating mods for Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with rallies planned.
IWGB Game Workers union forms 'redundancy taskforce' to defend workers' rights
The IWGB Game Workers Union has formed a new taskforce to support workers facing redundancy, aiming to ensure all layoffs are legal and fair. This initiative comes amid widespread layoffs in the industry, including recent cuts at Xbox and Rockstar Games. The union highlights the need for solidarity and worker empowerment against what they describe as mismanagement and greed.
'The entire thing is going to fall apart:' Inside the latest round of mass layoffs at Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox division has conducted its fifth round of mass layoffs since 2023, impacting 3,200 employees across studios like Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software. Employees describe the process as cruel and self-defeating, with swift video calls and disabled communication channels. The cuts have led to significant loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning id Software's proprietary id Tech engine and the development teams for major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
The Elder Scrolls Online Team Can’t Release Content At Its Previous Speed , Says Former Developer
A former senior encounter designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Morgan Goin, stated that recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios will significantly slow down the MMORPG's content release pace. Goin, who was among those laid off, expressed surprise, as internal reports suggested the studio was performing well and contributing positively to Microsoft's metrics. The layoffs have reduced the studio's workforce considerably, impacting its ability to maintain its previously announced seasonal content roadmap.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 572: A punch to Elder Scrolls Online’s gut
The Massively OP Podcast episode 572 discusses significant layoffs at ZeniMax Studios impacting The Elder Scrolls Online. Other topics include EverQuest Legends' paid beta, Aion 2's business model, Tencent's acquisition of the PlanetSide IP, and Fiesta Online's upcoming console release.
The Elder Scrolls Online Dev ZeniMax Online Studios Insists It's Now the Same Size It Was When It Made Much-Loved DLCs, Moves to Reassure Worried Fans After Xbox Layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has assured fans that the studio's size and commitment to the game remain unchanged despite recent layoffs at Xbox. The studio aims to alleviate concerns about the future of the game and its DLC development.
MMO Week in Review: 213
Microsoft's significant layoffs have heavily impacted the Elder Scrolls Online live team, reducing its size to that of 2015-2018. This week also saw Warframe's TennoCon, Aion 2 previewing its monetization, Tencent acquiring the PlanetSide franchise, Star Trek Online launching Undiscovered, and Gamigo porting Fiesta Online to consoles.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.