ZeniMax Online Studios
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Bethsoft devs roast Microsoft with a giant inflatable rat as unions plan huge rallies next week
Developers at Bethesda Game Studios have protested Microsoft's recent mass layoffs by erecting a giant inflatable rat and flags representing laid-off workers outside their Rockville HQ. This action precedes planned rallies by Microsoft game developers across the US and Canada on August 18th to protest layoffs and corporate greed.
Xbox leadership's words are drowned out by their actions
Despite assurances from Xbox leadership, the company's actions, including mass layoffs and studio closures, paint a grim picture for its talent and future projects. While executives like Asha Sharma mention upcoming games like The Elder Scrolls 6, these words are seen as empty promises contrasting with the reality of job cuts at studios like id Software and Bethesda.
'One flag for each laid off dev:' Union workers stage unmissable protest for Xbox boss Asha Sharma
Union workers from the Communications Workers of America protested outside Bethesda's office during Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's visit, deploying an inflatable rat and red flags to represent each employee laid off under her leadership. The protest aimed to highlight the human cost of recent mass layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division, which have affected studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios.
Elder Scrolls Online opens testing for random puzzle dungeons known as the Nowhere Vault
ZeniMax Online Studios has opened public testing for the Nowhere Vault, a new randomized puzzle dungeon for The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 51. Players will navigate three distinct wings filled with puzzles, stealth, and combat challenges, with secret objectives tied to a hidden treasure. The content is slated for a September 28th release.
Elder Scrolls Online has begun public testing part of Update 52, now due out September 28
ZeniMax Online has launched the public test server for Update 51 of The Elder Scrolls Online, with the full release scheduled for September 28th. The update includes the Nowhere Vault challenge, a rumor system, and various quality-of-life improvements, though some content like the High Seas of Tamriel event and season 2 content will roll out later. Game director Nick Giacomini provided a roadmap for upcoming content, including updates planned for 2027.
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
The Elder Scrolls Online Delaying Some Updates to 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios is delaying some updates for The Elder Scrolls Online to 2027 as the studio adjusts to Microsoft's recent game publishing shakeups. The game director communicated this change via a message on the official website.
The Elder Scrolls Online Director Outlines Content Roadmap Following Xbox Layoffs
Following significant layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, game director Nick Giacomini has outlined a revised content roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online. Some features, including a new trial and combat refresh, have been pushed to 2027 to allow the team to re-establish development pipelines. Update 51 has been delayed to September 28th and will introduce new content and features, while ongoing seasonal content and events will proceed as planned.
'We are not looking to just maintain' Elder Scrolls Online, new ZeniMax boss says, but a bunch of updates have been delayed into 2027 and possibly beyond
ZeniMax Online Studios co-head Nick Giacomini stated that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to growth despite recent layoffs impacting the studio. However, significant updates, including the Class and Combat Refresh and a new Trial, have been delayed to 2027 or later. Update 51 is still scheduled for September 27, with Season 2 launching October 21.
After Layoffs, New Elder Scrolls Online Content Is Delayed But Still Coming
Despite recent layoffs, ZeniMax Online Studios has confirmed that new content for The Elder Scrolls Online is still planned, with a roadmap for 2026 and 2027. Some anticipated updates, including a combat and class refresh, have been delayed to prioritize quality. New content for the remainder of 2024 includes Update 51 and Season Two, featuring solo dungeons and various improvements.
‘We are not looking to just maintain the game,’ Elder Scrolls Online boss says in new post-layoff roadmap
Following recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, Game Director Nick Giacomini has addressed players regarding the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. He confirmed the studio's dedication to the game's growth and outlined a revised roadmap, with some features like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52's PvP zone now slated for 2027. The studio will also collaborate more closely with Bethesda Game Studios.
Xbox hardware revenue fell by $1.7 billion during fiscal 2026
Xbox hardware revenue saw a significant decrease of 7%, approximately $1.7 billion, in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This decline is attributed to reduced console sales and a 5% drop in Xbox content and services revenue, despite growth in Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft also faces ongoing challenges with component shortages and has implemented mass layoffs across its gaming division.
Elder Scrolls Online’s newly launched quest involves Uncle Sheogorath and cheese, of course
The Elder Scrolls Online has released a new story questline titled 'Sheogorath Takes a Holiday,' available for all players. This update features the Daedric Prince Sheogorath and his obsession with cheese as players embark on six new quests across Tamriel. The quest is free for all players and introduces a new Blessed Cheese emote, alongside a Golden Pursuits campaign running until August 12th.
Double Fine Announces Layoffs For 23 Employees Following Xbox Split
Double Fine Productions, developer of Psychonauts, has laid off 23 employees following its separation from Xbox. Studio founder Tim Schafer stated the move was necessary for the studio's sustainability as an independent company. Xbox confirmed the return of intellectual property and runway for future games to Double Fine and other divested studios like Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
The Elder Scrolls 6’s Development Roadmap Hasn’t Been Affected by Layoffs, Says Bethesda
Bethesda Game Studios has stated that its development roadmap for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains unaffected by recent Xbox-wide layoffs, despite significant job losses across its studios. While the company assures progress is on track, former employees express concerns about the impact of losing experienced staff. Director Todd Howard and Xbox CCO Matt Booty have previously indicated the game is progressing well, though a release window remains unannounced.
Massively Overthinking: Which MMOs are a lot more popular than most people realize?
This article discusses the phenomenon of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) that are significantly more popular than mainstream perception suggests. Games like Elder Scrolls Online, Albion Online, RuneScape, and Guild Wars 2 are highlighted for their substantial revenue and player bases, despite often being overlooked by general gaming media. The discussion also touches upon the separate fanbases of Eastern MMORPGs and the tendency for some players to underestimate the continued success of established titles like World of Warcraft.
Elder Scrolls Online’s Microsoft-induced ‘capacity’ issues bring an end to the web version of its cash shop
ZeniMax Online Studios is removing the web version of The Elder Scrolls Online's cash shop to manage team workload, a change attributed to Microsoft's recent layoffs. Players will still be able to purchase crowns and in-game items by logging into the game directly. This decision impacts content creators who relied on the web store for screenshots.
"Honestly, it's still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that consumer electronics component prices are still rising, potentially leading to price increases for products like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck. This trend is also impacting consoles, with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo having already raised prices or planning to do so. Separately, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard thanked fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects, emphasizing that the company listens to community feedback.
"Professional lurker" Todd Howard reappears on internet forums following Bethesda's Fallout and Elder Scrolls announcements to thank fans for their support
Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard has returned to Reddit after a six-month absence to thank fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects. Howard stated that the studio is actively listening to community feedback and that many ideas come from Reddit discussions. This comes amidst news of layoffs within the Xbox division and a renewed focus on Bethesda's major franchises.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
