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Bethesda Canceled an Unannounced PvP Shooter Amidst Layoffs – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, with details emerging from a laid-off employee's LinkedIn profile. This cancellation comes amidst significant layoffs at the company, which also impacted other studios under ZeniMax Media. While the specifics of the canceled project are unknown, it is speculated to be the Rainbow Six Siege-like title previously rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
The Elder Scrolls Online is struggling with "team bandwidth" after Xbox layoffs hit Bethesda and ZeniMax, leading devs to limit a store for in-game items
The Elder Scrolls Online developers are facing "team bandwidth" issues following layoffs at Bethesda and ZeniMax, impacting the game's features. To manage the workload, the Web Crown Store has been removed from the official website, though in-game purchases remain available. Changes are also being made to the Crown Store blog due to capacity limitations.
"The goal is to provide what we can": Elder Scrolls Online Crown Store undergoing changes due to "team bandwidth" in wake of Xbox layoffs
The Elder Scrolls Online is making changes to its Crown Store, including the removal of the web-based store, due to team bandwidth issues following recent layoffs at Microsoft and ZeniMax. Players will now need to log into the game to browse and purchase items, and the monthly Crown Store Showcase blog will become more list-like. Community manager Kevin Gbolie stated these adjustments are necessary to manage workload, with the goal of continuing to provide content despite reduced capacity.
The Elder Scrolls Online is already feeling the impact of Xbox's layoffs, ironically hurting the cash shop
Following recent layoffs at ZeniMax, The Elder Scrolls Online is already experiencing operational changes due to reduced staff. Community manager Kevin Gbolie announced the removal of the web-based Crown Store and modifications to the monthly Crown Store Showcase blog to manage workload. These changes highlight the ironic impact of the layoffs on the game's premium cash shop operations.
Another former Xbox studio is "independently owned, again" after Microsoft shut it down in 2024
Alpha Dog Games, a studio previously shut down by Microsoft in 2024, has reemerged as an independently owned entity. Studio founder Shawn Woods updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change, indicating the studio regained independence in May 2025. This follows a trend of studios becoming independent after Microsoft's recent closures and layoffs.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Microsoft's Xbox division is facing accusations of unfair labor practices, including unlawfully laying off staff without proper union notification or discussion. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed complaints alleging refusal to bargain and coercive actions. Meanwhile, Netflix reported a 600% surge in kids' game engagement, driven by its dedicated mobile app, and expressed confidence in scaling its cloud gaming offerings.
The Xbox Characters That Defined 25 Years of Gaming
This article examines the iconic characters that have defined Xbox's 25-year history, from Master Chief and Marcus Fenix to Minecraft Steve and Ori. These characters represent the evolution of Xbox from a console newcomer to a multi-platform gaming brand, highlighting shifts in game design, company acquisitions, and the importance of personality in brand identity.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Todd Howard says layoffs at Bethesda were "really tough": "We're going through a change so that we…
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard described the recent layoffs at the studio as "really tough," acknowledging the impact on long-term employees. These cuts, part of broader Xbox staff reductions, are reportedly pushing Bethesda to focus on key franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. The news comes amid discussions about the future of Fallout titles and remasters, with fans expressing concern over the impact of these layoffs on game development.
Doom: The Dark Ages' DLC is a true FPS triumph, and its developers deserve better
The DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, titled Revelations, introduces new mechanics like the chain spear and restores the dash ability from Doom Eternal, offering a fresh and exhilarating combat experience. Despite the positive reception of the DLC, the article highlights the tragic impact of recent Xbox layoffs on id Software, potentially jeopardizing the future of the id Tech engine and the studio's talent.
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.
