Fallout
News, coverage and analysis tracking Fallout across the outlets.
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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.
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.
"Honestly, it's still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that consumer electronics component prices are still rising, potentially leading to price increases for products like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck. This trend is also impacting consoles, with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo having already raised prices or planning to do so. Separately, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard thanked fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects, emphasizing that the company listens to community feedback.
"Professional lurker" Todd Howard reappears on internet forums following Bethesda's Fallout and Elder Scrolls announcements to thank fans for their support
Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard has returned to Reddit after a six-month absence to thank fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects. Howard stated that the studio is actively listening to community feedback and that many ideas come from Reddit discussions. This comes amidst news of layoffs within the Xbox division and a renewed focus on Bethesda's major franchises.
Bethesda’s Layoffs Were “Really Tough”, Lets It “Focus Best” On its Franchises, Says Todd Howard
Bethesda's Todd Howard described the company's recent layoffs as a difficult experience, stating that the studio will now focus on its core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. He also expressed excitement about working with Obsidian Entertainment again on new Fallout projects, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, while confirming Fallout 5 remains a long-term goal. The article also touches on industry-wide layoffs affecting Xbox and its studios.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
Possible PlayStation 6 Action RPG in Major Series Gets Exciting Update
Bethesda has confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment is developing a new Fallout project. While details are scarce, the announcement has led to speculation that it could be a PlayStation 6 title. Bethesda also mentioned remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, alongside ongoing updates for Fallout 76.
Todd Howard checks his calendar, sighs quietly, and tells us all again that he doesn't have a grudge against…
Todd Howard has once again addressed fan speculation about his relationship with Obsidian Entertainment, emphasizing mutual respect between Bethesda and the studio. He confirmed that while there's no immediate collaboration planned, opportunities to work together on the Fallout franchise are always considered, especially with new projects like Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters, and Fallout 5 in development.
"Don't fall for it": Union says Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 news shouldn't distract you from huge Bethesda layoffs as Xbox CEO praises the series' "remarkable" achievements
The United Videogame Workers-CWA union claims Bethesda's announcements about Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are a deliberate distraction from recent mass layoffs at Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the franchises' achievements, while unions filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft regarding the layoffs.
Bethesda details what's next for Fallout and its other franchises amid Xbox cuts
Bethesda has outlined future plans for the Fallout franchise, confirming that Obsidian Entertainment is developing a new Fallout game. Additionally, remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development.
Todd Howard says 'the timing is right' for a collaboration with Obsidian
Bethesda Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment are collaborating on a new Fallout project, with franchise director Todd Howard confirming the partnership. This marks a return to collaboration for the studios, who previously worked together on Fallout: New Vegas. The announcement comes amidst recent layoffs at Xbox and its studios, including Obsidian and Bethesda.
Todd Howard Dismisses 'Fan Chatter' About Purported Rivalry Between Bethesda and Obsidian as the New Vegas Developer Starts Work on a New Fallout Game
Todd Howard has dismissed fan speculation about a rivalry between Bethesda Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment. This comes as Obsidian begins work on a new Fallout game, following their previous work on Fallout: New Vegas.
Bethesda confirms collaboration with Obsidian on 'new Fallout project'
Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed a collaboration with Obsidian Entertainment on a new Fallout project. This announcement comes alongside confirmation of remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Further details about the new project are expected in the future.
Todd Howard Says Fallout’s Future Is Bigger Than The Long Wait For Fallout 5
Bethesda Game Studios boss Todd Howard discussed the future of the Fallout franchise, emphasizing that Fallout 5 is the long-term destination and is currently in pre-production. He also confirmed upcoming remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a new update for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock.
Starfield "remains an important part of our future" says Bethesda, as developer pledges continued support for sci-fi RPG
Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed continued support for its sci-fi RPG Starfield, despite recent layoffs and a refocus on core franchises. The developer stated that Starfield remains an important part of its future, with plans for new stories, gameplay improvements, and additional content in its third year of post-launch support. The game has been played by over 17 million players and has seen significant improvements since its launch.
Bethesda Reveals Roadmap: The Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 5, Obsidian's New Fallout Game, Several Remaster Projects, and More All Confirmed
Bethesda Game Studios has revealed its future development roadmap, confirming The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 are in the works. The studio also announced a new Fallout game from Obsidian Entertainment, multiple other Fallout projects, and several remaster initiatives. A 'Fallout Day' event is planned for Washington D.C. in 2027.
Starfield Crosses 17 Million Players, Year 3 Content Confirmed With “New Stories” and Improvements
Bethesda has confirmed that Starfield will continue to receive support with Year 3 content, including new stories and gameplay improvements, despite recent layoffs. The studio also announced that the space-faring RPG has surpassed 17 million players, who have collectively logged nearly one billion hours. While an expansion like Shattered Space received mixed reviews, Bethesda is committed to ongoing updates and new "Starborn" content.
New Fallout by Obsidian Confirmed, The Elder Scrolls Online Team to “Partner Closely” With Bethesda
Obsidian Entertainment is confirmed to be working on a new Fallout project in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. ZeniMax Online Studios will also partner closely with Bethesda on The Elder Scrolls franchise, potentially supporting The Elder Scrolls 6 and continuing content for The Elder Scrolls Online. The article also touches on the potential cancellation of Avowed 2 at Obsidian.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
