Zenimax Media
Zenimax Media business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Skyrim Co-Lead Thought Bethesda Would Start The Elder Scrolls 6 Development Right After Fallout 4
Former Skyrim co-lead Kurt Kuhlmann revealed that many at Bethesda expected to begin development on The Elder Scrolls 6 immediately after Fallout 4, but the studio instead focused on Fallout 76 and the new IP Starfield. Kuhlmann expressed that the decision to prioritize Starfield, described by Todd Howard as his 'dream game,' was a surprise to many developers who would have preferred to work on The Elder Scrolls 6.
"Most people wanted" to make The Elder Scrolls 6 after Fallout 4, says Skyrim co-lead, but then Todd Howard…
Former Skyrim co-lead Kurt Kuhlmann revealed that many at Bethesda expected The Elder Scrolls 6 to follow Fallout 4, but Todd Howard prioritized the new IP Starfield. Kuhlmann expressed personal preference for developing The Elder Scrolls 6 over Starfield and Fallout 76, suggesting this sentiment was shared by much of the studio.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
"Without us, Bethesda games aren’t Bethesda games": Rallies against Microsoft layoffs at Elder Scrolls studio continue, with unionised devs' morale "on the upswing"
Unionized developers at Bethesda Softworks continue to rally against Microsoft's recent layoffs, which have impacted staff across Xbox Game Studios. Developers express concern over the company's handling of the reductions in force and the effect on game development timelines for titles like The Elder Scrolls 6. Despite low morale regarding work, there is optimism about the ongoing union organizing efforts.
Bethesda 40th anniversary sale knocks 50% off Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations just a month after launch
Bethesda is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a major sale on Steam, featuring discounts of up to 67% on many of its titles, including subsidiaries id Software and Arkane Studios. Notably, the recently released Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations expansion is 50% off, just one month after its launch. This sale occurs amidst recent layoffs at Bethesda Game Studios, Zenimax Online, and id Software, and concerns about Arkane Studios' future following Microsoft's acquisition.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
New data suggests layoffs will affect 14,259 people by the end of 2026, up 78% from first forecast of the year
New data from the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker forecasts that job losses will reach 14,259 by the end of 2026, a significant increase from earlier projections. This trend indicates an acceleration in layoffs, with North America and Europe being the most affected regions. The projected numbers for 2026 are expected to surpass the total for 2024.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters are a good start, but before Fallout 5 Bethesda could be doing so much more
The announcement of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters highlights the long neglect of the Fallout series, with Fallout 5 not expected for many years. While new content for Fallout 76 and a potential Obsidian project are on the horizon, the article argues that Xbox and Bethesda could leverage other studios within their ecosystem to develop more Fallout titles and better manage the franchise's potential.
The Elder Scrolls 6 development roadmap is unaffected by Xbox's mass layoffs, Bethesda says, despite devs'…
Bethesda Game Studios has stated that the development roadmap for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains unaffected by recent mass layoffs across Xbox Game Studios and its subsidiaries. Despite concerns from some developers and reports of potential delays and increased reliance on contractors, Bethesda assures that production is proceeding as planned. The company also mentioned that Starfield has been released and they are now focusing on the next installment in The Elder Scrolls series.
Everything Bethesda just announced about the future of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls
Bethesda Softworks has announced significant updates for its major RPG franchises. Fallout 5 is in pre-production, while The Elder Scrolls 6 is progressing well. Remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are also in development, alongside an expansion for Fallout 76 and continued support for Fallout Shelter and Starfield. These announcements come amidst studio layoffs and a focus on the Creation Engine 3.
Bethesda make huge promises for The Elder Scrolls and Fallout - now it has to deliver
Bethesda Game Studios has outlined its future plans, confirming development on The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5, with the former being the primary focus and the latter in pre-production. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project from Obsidian Entertainment, and continued support for Starfield and Fallout 76, including a major expansion titled Raven Rock planned for 2027.
Bethesda reassures fans The Elder Scrolls 6 is "on the way" following the Xbox cuts, and that it's "loving how it looks" and "playing it every day"
Bethesda Game Studios has reassured fans that The Elder Scrolls 6 is actively in development and progressing as planned, despite recent Xbox layoffs. The studio confirmed that the majority of its team is focused on the next installment, which will utilize the Creation Engine 3. Bethesda also announced a closer partnership with Zenimax Online Studios for the franchise and revealed plans for Fallout 5.
Comings and Goings
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has been affected by widespread job cuts at Xbox. These layoffs have raised concerns about the future longevity of the online game.
Elder Scrolls Online is "not going to be able to put out the amount of content at the speed" it was, former…
Former Zenimax Online Studios employees report that recent layoffs have significantly reduced the studio's capacity to produce content for The Elder Scrolls Online at its previous pace. Devs estimate some departments are now at a quarter of their former size, impacting the ability to maintain content cadence. The studio's executive producer, studio game director, and production director are among those reportedly let go.
Zenimax Online Studios leadership included in widespread Xbox job cuts, as concerns around Elder Scrolls Online's longevity persist
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen several senior leadership members and 379 employees impacted by widespread layoffs at Xbox. This follows similar cuts last year and raises concerns about the longevity of the MMO, though the studio insists it remains committed to the game. A new leadership team will be formed from remaining staff over the coming months.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
As Elder Scrolls Online fans fear for the MMO, Bethesda reportedly confirms its team is the same size it was when it…
Despite recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, the development team for The Elder Scrolls Online remains at a size comparable to its early successful years. Community figures report that key personnel are focused on the game's future roadmap, suggesting it is not entering maintenance mode. While the layoffs are upsetting, this news offers reassurance about the MMO's continued development.
Bethesda union staff to march outside studios over Xbox layoffs: 'The company wants us to accept this as a done…
Bethesda developers, organized as the OneBGS union, are planning a protest march across studios on July 15th to oppose recent layoffs by Xbox. The union criticizes these layoffs as a recurring issue and aims to show management the adverse impact on remaining staff and studio talent, citing significant staff reductions at Zenimax Online Studios and id Software, and the closure of studios responsible for games like Hi-Fi Rush and Prey.
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms out
Bethesda 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.
The Elder Scrolls Online’s Former Content Designer Says The Team “Deserved Much Better”
Former content designer Andrew Young expressed disappointment over recent layoffs at Zenimax Online Studios, stating the team deserved better and that the studio may not have enough staff left to maintain its content roadmap. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed widespread layoffs across the division, with more planned, while announcing leadership changes within the Xbox division.
