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Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada have filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft, alleging unlawful firings and bad-faith bargaining during recent Xbox layoffs. The unions accuse Microsoft of failing to notify or discuss layoffs with them, despite ongoing collective agreement negotiations. An Xbox spokesperson stated the company respects employees' rights and is committed to the bargaining process.
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin pushed back against reports that Id Software has been significantly weakened by recent Microsoft layoffs, stating the studio is the same size as when it developed Doom 2016. He emphasized that the id Tech engine is alive and well, with engineers at both Id Software and MachineGames collaborating. Martin also highlighted the commercial success of the Revelations DLC and expressed gratitude for fan support during a difficult time for affected employees.
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.
As Xbox fan goes viral for losing account with games worth "thousands of euros" and their "son's baby pictures," official support says it's "working to restore access"
Streamer Joshua Khane lost access to his Microsoft account, including thousands of euros worth of games and personal photos, after his OneDrive was permanently suspended due to unauthorized access. Xbox Support has acknowledged the issue and stated they are working to restore access to his purchases. This incident highlights the risks associated with digital ownership and account security.
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.
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.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A report details the impact of recent Microsoft layoffs on Xbox employees, including those at Bethesda, ZeniMax, and id Software. The article highlights a "disposable worker mentality" fostered by unclear goals and abrupt termination processes, with some employees expressing disillusionment with being owned by Microsoft and questioning the value of their work in terms of job security.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
Games Inbox: Will there ever be a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite?
Readers discuss the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite, with concerns about component costs and Nintendo's future hardware strategy. The discussion also touches on the high cost of AAA game development, the future of Sony and Microsoft, and skepticism surrounding the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?
Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.
Perfect Ten: 10 ways that Elder Scrolls Online quietly got good in 2026
Despite a shift away from its traditional expansion model and subsequent team reductions by Microsoft, The Elder Scrolls Online has seen significant improvements in 2026. Updates 49 and 50 introduced more base game content, a challenge difficulty system, class and weapon skill line reworks, subclassing options, and new event zones like the Night Market and Vengeance PvP campaign.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
Bethesda Game Studios union members are planning protests against recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division. The union criticizes Microsoft's framing of the cuts and asserts their legal right to bargain over the impact of these layoffs, demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance, and recall rights for affected workers. The layoffs have reportedly caused plummeting morale and may significantly affect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
"They want us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear" – Bethesda union members organise protest in response to Xbox layoffs
Union members at Bethesda Game Studios, Id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios are organizing protests and a strike in response to recent layoffs affecting 440 employees. The OneBGS union accuses Microsoft and Bethesda of attempting to circumvent bargaining obligations by framing the cuts as an 'entrepreneurial change.' They are demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance packages, and recall rights for affected workers.
Elder Scrolls 6 faces delays as Microsoft lays off people that were making it
Bethesda Game Studios employees are concerned that The Elder Scrolls 6 may face significant delays following recent layoffs impacting over 50 staff members, including a 27-year veteran. These cuts, part of broader Xbox layoffs, have raised fears about project timelines, potential reliance on contract labor, and a decline in studio morale, especially after the reception of Starfield.
"We are the best allies to game devs": Skyrim modder shows solidarity with laid off Bethesda workers by draping union logos across Tamriel
A Skyrim modder named Elianora has created a mod called 'United Front' to show solidarity with recently laid-off Bethesda workers. The mod adds union logos to shields and banners within the game, encouraging players to raise awareness for the 'Save Our Devs March' organized by the OneBGS union. This action aims to send a message to Microsoft regarding the recent layoffs affecting Bethesda and other Xbox-owned studios.
'We mean business:' Xbox union workers fighting back with 'Save Our Devs' rally on July 15
Unionized workers at Bethesda Game Studios, under the OneBGS banner, are organizing a 'Save Our Devs' rally on July 15 to protest recent mass layoffs across Xbox and ZeniMax studios. The union aims to negotiate preferential transfers, stronger severance packages, and recall rights for affected employees, rejecting Microsoft's framing of the cuts as an 'entrepreneurial change'.
