The Elder Scrolls
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Elder Scrolls across the outlets.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insiderDespite 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 unionMicrosoft'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 restructureBethesda 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 franchisesMicrosoft'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 FranchisesXbox 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 employeesMicrosoft'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 WolfensteinXbox 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 reviewMicrosoft 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 TodayMicrosoft 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.
Xbox Layoffs Won’t Stop Work on Doom, Quake and WolfensteinDespite significant layoffs impacting Xbox and its ZeniMax Media subsidiaries, work on franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ZeniMax will not be reduced to only developing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also undergoing management restructuring to streamline decision-making processes.
Modders made a Fallout 4 quest in a weekend for charity, and it features iconic Elder Scrolls actor Wes JohnsonA new Fallout 4 mod called Double Feature, created by modders Kinggath and others, has been released as part of an annual charity project. The mod features voice acting from Elder Scrolls actor Wes Johnson and has raised over $5,000 for Alzheimer's research, surpassing its initial goal. The mod includes a new quest, player home, companion, power armor, and weapon, and was developed over a single weekend.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
New Fallout 4 quest mod starring an iconic Elder Scrolls voice actor has you solve an eccentric gang war over a long-dead starlet's vault of mysterious goodiesA new Fallout 4 quest mod called Double Feature has been released, created by a team of modders and voice actor Wes Johnson to raise money for charity. The mod involves a gang war over the belongings of a pre-war singer and features content from established Fallout 4 modding projects. The modathon has already raised over $5,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
Evening Reading - July 1, 2026This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including patch notes for Mario Kart World, PlayStation's planned discontinuation of physical disc production in January 2028, and the reworking of the Endless Legend 2 dev roadmap. It also mentions Krafton's bonuses, Lethal Wedding hitting a Kickstarter goal, and a new Doom: The Dark Ages trailer. Additionally, the article touches on the shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita PlayStation Stores and a review of Rhythm Heaven Groove.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – RumorReports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
Sony announces it is ending physical disc production for new games come 2028Sony has announced that it will cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting January 1, 2028. This shift to digital-only releases for new titles on PlayStation 5 and future consoles aims to reduce costs and align with market trends. The decision impacts the ownership model for consumers and raises concerns about potential price markups in digital storefronts.- With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next projectXbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffsMicrosoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.