Fallout
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Xbox's layoffs come with a push to focus on series like Fallout, so naturally New Vegas devs Obsidian have reportedly lost around a quarter of their staff
Xbox has reportedly laid off approximately 1600 employees and is shifting focus to lucrative series like Fallout. As part of these cuts, Obsidian Entertainment, known for Fallout: New Vegas, has lost around a quarter of its staff, with 60-70 employees let go. This news comes amid broader industry trends of significant layoffs and uncertainty for remaining developers.
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.
Report – Xbox cuts around 25% of Obsidian staff
Xbox has initiated significant layoffs across its studios, with Obsidian Entertainment reportedly losing around 25% of its staff, impacting producers, artists, designers, and more. This is part of Microsoft's larger plan to lay off 3,200 employees by June 2027, though Blizzard Entertainment teams have been spared for now. The restructuring aims to shift focus away from smaller acquired studios, but the arbitrary nature of the cuts is causing concern over lost expertise.
Zenimax omorganiseras för att fokusera på sina stora varumärken
ZeniMax Media is undergoing a significant restructuring to concentrate on its major franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This reorganization follows recent layoffs at Xbox and involves some studios becoming independent or being sold, though ZeniMax itself retains its studios.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Xbox’s Game Pass Subscriptions Currently Hovering Around 30 Million – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are currently around 30 million, a figure lower than the 34 million reported in February 2024 and significantly below Microsoft's goal of 77 million by fiscal year 2027. Despite this, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the service did not grow as expected but indicated continued investment in higher priority projects, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises.
Bethesda Hit Hard by Layoffs, Studio Head Says “We Need to Change Course” – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly experienced significant layoffs, with studio head Jill Braff stating the company needs to "change course" to ensure a more stable foundation and sustainable growth. This shift involves focusing on its strongest franchises, The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, potentially impacting development on other titles. The move comes amid broader industry layoffs and aims to reposition Bethesda for future success.
The Xbox reset is not going to work if it’s just a retreat to the past
Microsoft's Xbox division continues to face significant challenges, marked by recurring mass layoffs and declining results. Despite the high volume of job cuts and studio closures, the company's future strategy remains unclear, with speculation that new leadership may be attempting to revert to past successes rather than innovate. The article questions the sustainability of this approach, especially concerning hardware sales and the exclusivity of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6.
Bethesda union blasts Microsoft as Xbox layoffs hit the Fallout and Elder Scrolls studio, too: "When will this cycle of cuts in pursuit of ever-greater profits end?"
Microsoft has initiated significant layoffs across its Xbox division, impacting Bethesda Game Studios and other developers. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed frustration over the recurring cuts, highlighting the impact on long-term employees and calling for an end to profit-driven redundancies. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited weak operating margins and underperforming investments as reasons for the restructuring, which includes potential strategic shifts for studios like Arkane.
Fans Mourn Starfield Amid Xbox Layoffs, With Bethesda Now Seemingly Focused on Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake
Amidst recent Xbox layoffs, there is speculation that a Starfield sequel is unlikely, with Bethesda seemingly shifting focus to its established franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This suggests a potential change in development priorities following the initial reception of Starfield.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider
Despite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax hit hard by Xbox layoffs, says union
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax Media, with the Bethesda Game Workers Union reporting that many employees have been let go. Reports indicate that studios like id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are also cutting a substantial number of staff. These reductions are part of a broader reorganization across various Microsoft gaming divisions to focus on higher priority projects.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
As ZeniMax also faces cuts, Xbox seeks a "significant overhaul" to focus on Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Quake, and other big franchises
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant overhaul, including layoffs affecting approximately 3200 jobs and restructuring at ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks. The focus will shift to major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Quake, potentially impacting the future of other IPs and studios like Arkane.
Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger Franchises
Xbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
Microsoft needs to "reset Xbox," says Asha Sharma, as the company lays off 3,200 employees
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, with approximately 3,200 employees being laid off throughout the 2027 fiscal year, including 1,600 immediately. CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and operating at lower margins than comparable companies. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, will transition to independent management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set to be acquired by new owners.
ZeniMax's pivot to big series amid Xbox cuts reportedly isn't a death knell for Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein
Xbox has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring, affecting studios like Double Fine and Arkane, while shifting focus towards established franchises such as Fallout and The Elder Scrolls for ZeniMax Media. Despite these changes, core series like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue development. Mojang Studios will now report directly to CEO Asha Sharma, with increased investment planned for Minecraft.
Xbox cuts 3,200 staff as four studios to exit Microsoft – Arkane under review
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees within its Xbox division, with 1,600 staff being let go immediately. Four studios, including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, are becoming independent or being sold off, while Arkane Lyon's future is under review. This restructuring follows a period of rapid developer acquisitions and aims to refocus Xbox's business strategy.
Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures, And Spin-Offs: Everything Announced Today
Microsoft 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.
