Michael Zenke
Reporting and statements that mention Michael Zenke.
Latest coverage
The Elder Scrolls Online has sea battles now, so we asked Zenimax how they work
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing instanced sea battles and treasure diving as part of its High Seas of Tamriel event. Players will repel pirate attacks, sink enemy ships, and then explore underwater environments using Dwemer diving chambers to find treasure. Zenimax developers describe the event as an experimental, narrative-driven experience that delves into lesser-known lore.
ESO devs tell us exactly how its Rumors update revives Morrowind's detective work
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing a new 'Rumors' system that revives Morrowind's approach to exploration by removing objective markers and providing players with actual clues to follow. This narrative scavenger hunt feature, designed by Zenimax Online developers like Jason Barnes and Michael Zenke, will initially launch with 15 mysteries of varying difficulty, encouraging players to piece together information and navigate the world organically.
The Elder Scrolls Online's devs are pushing through hard times after layoffs and delays: 'We didn't want…
The Elder Scrolls Online's development team at Zenimax Online is navigating significant challenges following substantial layoffs and project delays. Despite a 60% reduction in staff over the past year, developers express commitment to the game and its community, pushing updates to 2027 to ensure quality over rushed releases. The team is also experimenting with new content types like 'rumours' to foster player discovery.
Interview: Elder Scrolls Online on Update 51’s experimental features and shaking up the MMO’s formula
ZeniMax Online Studios developers Nick Giacomini, Jason Barnes, and Michael Zenke discuss the experimental features in The Elder Scrolls Online's upcoming Update 51, including the Nowhere Vault, the Rumors system, and the High Seas of Tamriel event. They emphasize a desire to innovate and evolve the MMORPG formula to keep players engaged.
Marathon just lost its game director: Joe Ziegler is Bungie's latest high-profile departure
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler has left Bungie, with Del Chafe III taking over as game director alongside creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's departure follows a significant drop in Marathon's player count since its March launch and comes amidst recent layoffs at Bungie. Despite these challenges, Bungie and PlayStation have stated Marathon remains an important part of their portfolio.
Bungie studio head reportedly leaves after 16 years with the company following mass layoffs and Destiny 2 death spiral
Bungie studio head Justin Truman is reportedly leaving the company after nearly 17 years, following significant layoffs and criticism regarding the state of Destiny 2. The game received its final live-service content update recently, with the company stating it could no longer operate at its previous size. This news comes after Sony's 2022 acquisition of Bungie and amid reports of a toxic work environment from former employees.
Despite a ‘toxic’ and ‘dysfunctional’ work environment, Destiny 2 devs reminisce on lifelong friendships
Former Destiny 2 developers from Bungie reflect on their experiences, acknowledging a "toxic" and "dysfunctional" work environment while emphasizing the strong, lifelong friendships forged during their time on the game. Despite challenges, they recall positive moments and the importance of camaraderie in their work.