Zenimax Media
Zenimax Media business and news from across the web.
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms outBethesda Game Studios employees report that recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted development on The Elder Scrolls 6, with over 50 staff, including key personnel, being let go. This has led to low morale and concerns about increased crunch and delays for the highly anticipated title. The layoffs also affect other studios like id Software, potentially reducing their roles to support.
Xbox layoffs mean that Elder Scrolls Online's roadmap is "shifting" just two days before Season One's release... the plan put in place for the MMO after the last round of cutsMicrosoft's recent layoffs at Xbox Game Studios and Zenimax Online Studios have significantly impacted the development roadmap for Elder Scrolls Online. While the upcoming Season One launch will proceed, future plans are now uncertain and will require re-evaluation by the remaining team. This shift comes despite previous statements from studio leadership indicating the seasonal model was not a response to prior cuts.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id SoftwareXbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting approximately 20% of its workforce, totaling 3,200 employees. Job losses have been confirmed at studios including Bethesda and id Software, with five studios being divested or acquired. This follows a recent round of voluntary redundancies and coincides with the start of Microsoft's financial year.- Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id SoftwareXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced sweeping layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, or 20% of the organization. Several studios, including Bethesda, Zenimax Online Studios, and id Software, have confirmed job losses, with up to half of the team working on The Elder Scrolls Online reportedly impacted. Five studios are being divested, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs in the process of being acquired.
Something for the Weekend – 20/06/26This week's gaming news highlights a turbulent period for Xbox, with reports of layoffs at Zenimax and uncertainty surrounding game studios. Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are set to go live on June 25th, while Unreal Engine 6 is integrating generative AI tools. Several games received reviews, including The Adventures of Elliot and Constance, and previews for Control Resonant and Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush were also featured.
3D Realms co-founder reveals more about Zenimax redundancies3D Realms co-founder George Broussard revealed details about impending layoffs at Zenimax, suggesting that studios not directly working on Fallout or The Elder Scrolls are at risk. He indicated that new Microsoft management is prioritizing profitability, potentially leading to significant job losses across various Zenimax-owned studios like Arkane and Machine Games. While initial reports suggested closures, further information points to layoffs occurring after the fiscal year ends on June 30.- Rumor MillA rumor suggests that layoffs may have begun at Zenimax Studios, according to a co-founder of 3D Realms. The article does not provide specific details or confirmation of these claims.
- 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.
The Elder Scrolls Online is now Steam Deck Verified after 2 years of tweakingThe Elder Scrolls Online has officially achieved Steam Deck Verified status, meaning it should now run optimally on Valve's handheld PC without requiring user tweaks. This verification comes after two years of development by Zenimax Online to address issues like the mandatory external launcher and default mouse and keyboard controls.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
XBOX CEO Wants to Make It the “Number One Gaming and Entertainment Company” by 2030Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to make the company the leading gaming and entertainment entity by 2030, emphasizing industry leadership over profit margins. She highlighted significant investments in acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and Zenimax, and ongoing platform development as key to achieving this goal. Sharma also noted the substantial revenue generated by franchises such as Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and World of Warcraft.
Elder Scrolls Online director says his cancelled MMO was a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but "a giant successful video game" isn't enough for Microsoft's higher-upsElder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor described his cancelled MMO, Project Blackbird, as a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but understood Microsoft's decision to cancel it due to its large investment risk. Firor explained that while the game was in development for seven years, it wasn't in full production for that entire duration, and the cancellation was a business decision driven by the need for reliable, forecastable revenue streams.
Former ESO boss Matt Firor talks about the death of unrealised MMO Project Blackbird: 'Microsoft is Microsoft'Former Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an unreleased MMO from Zenimax Online Studios. Firor expressed disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity for all involved, and reflected on how Microsoft's business priorities led to the project's demise.
Elder Scrolls Online director still secretly plays the MMO, even after he left the studio when Microsoft killed his dream game: "I'm in guilds, and they don't know who I am"Matt Firor, the former director of The Elder Scrolls Online and founder of Zenimax Online, continues to play the MMO secretly even after leaving the studio due to Microsoft's cancellation of his dream game, Project Blackbird. Firor finds enjoyment in experiencing ESO as a player, occasionally communicating with current developers about bugs and upcoming content he helped plan.
Most MMOs have so many expansions, it's hard to keep track of them all—can you tell our clever fakes from the…This article presents a quiz designed to test players' knowledge of massively multiplayer online (MMO) game expansions. It challenges readers to distinguish between real and fake expansion names for popular titles like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 14, and Guild Wars 2.- How to get the Thorn’s Bite Withersteed mount in ESOThis guide explains how to obtain the Thorn's Bite Withersteed mount in The Elder Scrolls Online, which was an event drop during the 2026 Jester's Festival. The mount's components, such as the Blooming Saddle and Gilded Stirrups, are acquired through event boxes or purchased from the Impresario using Trade Bars during specific in-game events like the Anniversary Jubilee and Zeal of Zenithar.
Is a blizzardy Skyrim return persuading me to retry Elder Scrolls Online? Not really, but naval combat and underwater exploration mightZenimax has revealed upcoming content for The Elder Scrolls Online, including naval combat and underwater exploration planned for 2026. New Thieves Guild and Sheogorath-themed quests are set to arrive in summer 2025, following a 'season zero' event in April. The developer also teased a return to a blizzardy Skyrim-like zone for early 2027.
The Elder Scrolls Online is coming to PC Game Pass in June, and it's free right now with PlayStation PlusThe Elder Scrolls Online is launching on PC Game Pass on June 2 and is available for free to PlayStation Plus subscribers on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 until April 6. The MMORPG will also be playable via Xbox Play Anywhere. Future content updates include a return to Skyrim in 2027 with new zones and dynamic weather effects.
The Elder Scrolls Online 2026 Seasons Direct - All The Big Reveals!Zenimax Online Studios and Bethesda Softworks revealed upcoming content for The Elder Scrolls Online during their 2026 Seasons Direct. Season Zero, launching April 2, introduces the limited-time zone "The Night Market" in Fargrave and optional overland difficulty scaling on June 8. Future content includes new story arcs, experimental features like naval combat and underwater exploration in 2026, and a return to Skyrim in 2027 with new regions and dynamic weather.