ZeniMax Online Studios
ZeniMax Online Studios business and news from across the web.
Xbox’s Game Pass Subscriptions Currently Hovering Around 30 Million – RumorA rumor suggests that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are currently around 30 million, a figure lower than the 34 million reported in February 2024 and significantly below Microsoft's goal of 77 million by fiscal year 2027. Despite this, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the service did not grow as expected but indicated continued investment in higher priority projects, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises.
Report: The “majority” of ID software and up to half of Zenimax online have lost their jobsReports indicate significant layoffs across several Xbox-owned studios, including a majority of ID Software and up to half of ZeniMax Online Studios. These cuts affect teams working on titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, with roadmaps expected to shift. Other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine are reportedly going independent.- The Elder Scrolls Online Has Reportedly Lost 'As Much as Half' of Its Development Team as Its Roadmap Is Being Re-EvaluatedReports suggest that The Elder Scrolls Online has experienced significant layoffs, potentially losing up to half of its development team. This has led to questions about the future roadmap and ongoing development of the game.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insiderDespite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Elder Scrolls Online developer left reeling by Xbox layoffs—with teams gutted, senior talent gone, and roadmaps…ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of Elder Scrolls Online, has been significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs, with reports indicating that half of the active content development team has been let go. This follows a previous round of job losses at the studio in 2025 and raises concerns about the future of the game's roadmap and development.
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax hit hard by Xbox layoffs, says unionMicrosoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax Media, with the Bethesda Game Workers Union reporting that many employees have been let go. Reports indicate that studios like id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are also cutting a substantial number of staff. These reductions are part of a broader reorganization across various Microsoft gaming divisions to focus on higher priority projects.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructureBethesda 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 FranchisesXbox 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” – RumorReports 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 oneThe 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 threatRumors 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 OneZeniMax 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 yearUnionized 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 layoffsThis 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, FloridaZeniMax 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 U51ZeniMax 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 MicrosoftMicrosoft 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 begunMicrosoft 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 spinoffMicrosoft 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.