Zenimax Media
Zenimax Media business and news from across the web.
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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.
Xbox Moves On From 4 Studios and Layoffs Off Thousands of Others
Xbox has announced significant restructuring, impacting over 1600 employees and planning for another 1600 over the next two fiscal years. Four studios—Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs—will become independent or be acquired by new entities, retaining their intellectual property. Numerous other studios, including Zenimax Online, Id Software, Obsidian, and Bethesda Game Studios, are also undergoing substantial layoffs as Xbox refocuses on its major franchises like Call of Duty, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Halo, and Minecraft.
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 cuts
Microsoft'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 Elder Scrolls Online studio reportedly suffers a second large wave of layoffs in a year, with "up to half" of the team impacted
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has reportedly experienced a second major wave of layoffs within a year, with some sources indicating that up to half of the studio's staff may have been impacted. The company cited a need for 'improving long-term growth' as the reason for the cuts, with a stated focus on its major franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein. This follows previous substantial layoffs and the cancellation of an in-development MMO.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Has Been Hit Hard by Layoffs, Content Roadmap “Will Be Shifting”
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has been significantly impacted by recent layoffs within Xbox. This has led to a reassessment of the MMORPG's content roadmap, with an updated schedule to be announced later. The article also mentions past layoffs at the studio, including the cancellation of an in-development MMO codenamed Blackbird.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft'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 Software
Xbox 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 Software
Xbox 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 – 20/06/26
This 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 redundancies
3D 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 Mill
A 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 begun
Microsoft 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.