ZeniMax
ZeniMax business and news from across the web.
Xbox cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead LabsMicrosoft has initiated a significant restructure of its Xbox division, eliminating 3,200 jobs and parting ways with four studios: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the cuts are necessary due to underperforming bets on Xbox Game Pass and multiplatform releases, as well as a severe hardware crisis impacting component prices. The company aims to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and foster a more efficient development environment.
Xbox to reduce workforce by 3,200, five studios to be divestedXbox announced significant workforce reductions affecting 3,200 employees and the divestment of five studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane. Compulsion Games and Double Fine will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set for new ownership to continue development on their respective projects. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the company is refocusing its strategy, acknowledging that it cannot be the best home for every studio.
Microsoft announces 3200 layoffs and four studio departures in "most significant" Xbox restructuring in historyMicrosoft has announced a significant restructuring of its Xbox division, including approximately 3,200 layoffs and the departure of four studios. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. Arkane Studios is also under review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited business performance and industry challenges as reasons for the changes.
Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures, And Spin-Offs: Everything Announced TodayMicrosoft has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, impacting 3,200 employees over the current financial year, with 1,600 layoffs starting immediately. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, are transitioning back to independent management, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. The company cited financial underperformance and a need to reset its strategy, focusing investment on higher-priority games and core IPs.
Xbox Layoffs Won’t Stop Work on Doom, Quake and WolfensteinDespite significant layoffs impacting Xbox and its ZeniMax Media subsidiaries, work on franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ZeniMax will not be reduced to only developing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also undergoing management restructuring to streamline decision-making processes.
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.
Microsoft Could Cancel Marvel’s Blade And Close Its DeveloperMicrosoft is reportedly considering cancelling the upcoming Marvel's Blade game and potentially closing its developer, Arkane Studios. The game, originally slated for 2026 but delayed to late 2027 and over budget, has not had gameplay footage released since its 2023 announcement. This potential closure is part of broader plans for studio restructuring and layoffs within Xbox, which are expected to begin in July.
Accidentally thrusting Morrowind to death just got more difficult, thanks to engine reimplemention OpenMW's chunky new updateThe OpenMW engine reimplementation for The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind has received its 0.51.0 update, introducing significant improvements for modders and gameplay stability. Key changes include fixes for attack-related game-breaking bugs, the ability to create magic effects via the scripting API, and enhanced installation detection for easier setup.
Amid all the closures and layoffs, the global games market has apparently passed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the…The global games market has surpassed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the first time, reaching $201.6 billion according to Newzoo, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. Mobile gaming leads this growth, followed by PC and console gaming, despite widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. This financial success contrasts sharply with the recent difficulties faced by many companies and employees within the sector.
Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer Bethesda "will be fine" as "they make all the money," but layoffs for the rest of ZeniMax "have begun," Duke Nukem co-creator saysGeorge Broussard, co-creator of Duke Nukem, has confirmed that layoffs have begun at ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios. While Bethesda is reportedly unaffected due to its profitability, other studios under ZeniMax may face deeper cuts. Broussard attributes these issues partly to mismanagement and recent changes within Microsoft's Xbox division.
Anyone Not Working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout at Bethesda is Being Laid Off – RumorReports suggest that ZeniMax Media, including studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software, is undergoing significant layoffs, with employees not working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout projects being particularly affected. This comes amid broader Xbox restructuring and potential studio closures for titles like Hellblade and South of Midnight, as executives cite revenue losses and rising hardware costs.- Canceled Project Blackbird May Have Been Perfect Replacement For Destiny, Insider SaysInsider reports suggest Microsoft's canceled action-RPG MMO, Project Blackbird, could have been a successful replacement for Destiny 2. Developed by the ZeniMax team, the game was reportedly canceled in mid-2025 due to financial reasons, despite positive internal feedback. Its cancellation is seen as a missed opportunity for Xbox to fill a void in the live-service market.
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.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – RumorXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have reportedly stepped down. Duncan stated in an email that his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, and he is proud of the launches achieved during his 20-month tenure. Matt Booty is expected to oversee Xbox Game Studios in the interim, amidst rumors of further layoffs and potential studio closures at Xbox.
Xbox announces business 'reset' amid reports of layoffs and studio closuresXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a business 'reset' for Microsoft's gaming division, signaling significant layoffs and potential studio closures following years of declining revenue. The memo cites a substantial increase in component costs for hardware and memory, exacerbated by past expansion choices, as a major challenge. Sharma and Xbox content chief Matt Booty aim to revive the company by evolving its business model and partnerships over the next 100 days.
The Elder Scrolls Online now Steam Deck Verified with Update 50The Elder Scrolls Online has officially achieved Steam Deck Verified status following Update 50. This update addresses previous issues with the launcher and gamepad input, making the MMORPG a well-functioning experience on Valve's handheld device.
Forza Horizon 6 Proves Xbox Still Has One Franchise No One Can TouchForza Horizon 6 continues the franchise's streak of critical acclaim, earning high Metascores and praise for its visuals, gameplay, and open-world design in Japan. This consistent excellence stands in contrast to the struggles of other Xbox franchises like Halo and Gears of War. Playground Games' ability to deliver on fan expectations and maintain quality is highlighted as the key to Forza Horizon's enduring success.
MMO vet Matt Firor was going to make Fallout Online in 2007, but Interplay 'went totally dark on me' and he…MMO veteran Matt Firor revealed in an interview that he was close to developing Fallout Online in 2007, having secured investment and a publisher in Brash Entertainment, but Interplay, who held the IP rights, went silent. This project ultimately never materialized as Bethesda later acquired the Fallout IP wholesale and engaged in legal battles with Interplay over the rights to create a Fallout MMO. Firor instead went on to found ZeniMax and develop The Elder Scrolls Online.
Microsoft Killed MMO Project Blackbird Because It Was A Line Item On A Ledger, Dev SaysFormer The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor revealed that Microsoft canceled ZeniMax's Project Blackbird due to financial reasons, with the project being viewed as just a number on a ledger during a business review. Firor described the cancellation as a heartbreaking but understandable business decision, noting the cyclical nature of the video game industry compared to more predictable revenue streams. Following the cancellation and layoffs, some former employees formed the new studio Sackbird Studios.
The Elder Scrolls Online Cross-Play Update: Not Coming in 2026 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & GuidesZeniMax has confirmed that cross-play for The Elder Scrolls Online is not planned for release in 2026, though development is ongoing and progress is being made. While a highly requested feature for the 12-year-old MMORPG, the team is prioritizing a seamless implementation. The game will continue its seasonal content rollout in 2026, with Season 0 launching soon.