Layoffs
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John Carmack reacts to massive layoffs at id Software: 'My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the…
Co-founder of id Software, John Carmack, has commented on the recent layoffs at the studio, expressing disappointment that his previous statement about Microsoft being a good steward of the brand "isn't aging well." While saddened, Carmack stated he doesn't "muster anger or outrage," suspecting id Software was a marginal business for Microsoft. He also discussed hypothetical strategies that could have prevented the team's decimation, while co-founder John Romero expressed grief for those affected.
Xbox layoff hatchetwoman & CEO tapped by Federal Reserve for 'jobs & productivity' task force
Asha Sharma, who recently oversaw layoffs of approximately 3,200 employees at Xbox, has been appointed as an advisor to a new Federal Reserve task force focused on jobs and productivity. Sharma, who has a background in artificial intelligence at Microsoft, will join other prominent figures to assess the economic impact of new technologies like AI.
Carmack says his 'Microsoft will be a good steward' of the id Software brand take didn't age well
Following significant layoffs at id Software amidst a broader Xbox reorganization, co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness and acknowledged that his previous statement about Microsoft being a good steward of the brand has not aged well. Carmack suspects id Software may have been a marginal business for Microsoft, contributing to the cuts despite recent releases like Doom: The Dark Ages.
Asha Sharma joins Federal Reserve advisory task force days after laying off thousands at Xbox
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been appointed to a new US Federal Reserve task force focused on productivity and jobs, specifically examining the economic impact of artificial intelligence. This appointment follows Xbox's announcement of significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees and several game studios, including Double Fine and Ninja Theory.
Microsoft filing shows total ZeniMax layoffs at 379, with over half coming from Elder Scrolls Online studio that's lost at least 60% of its staff in the past year
Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media has resulted in significant layoffs, with a total of 379 employees affected across ZeniMax Online Studios and ZeniMax Media. ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen over half of its staff depart in the past year, reducing its workforce to approximately 40% of its previous size despite the game's consistent revenue.
Microsoft Reportedly Still Wants To Use id Tech After Gutting The Team Behind It
Despite significant layoffs that have gutted the team responsible for id Tech, Microsoft reportedly still intends to utilize the engine. The future of the id Tech engine's development and usage remains uncertain following the drastic reduction in staff at id Software.
What will another Obsidian Fallout game even look like all these years on? Here's my attempt to read the radioactive tea leaves
Following reports of Obsidian Entertainment being redirected to work on a new Fallout game, this article speculates on what such a title might look like. It considers how the studio could innovate within the series, potentially by exploring new settings and gameplay mechanics, while acknowledging the influence of the recent Fallout TV show and other modern RPGs.
Microsoft lays off Bethesda vet behind Todd Howard's "crazy" Fallout 4 idea, "too many Skyrim weapons to count," the Dwemer, and Mudcrabs – and he may leave games altogether
Microsoft's ongoing layoffs have impacted Bethesda, with veteran artist Dane Olds, responsible for significant art assets in games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, being let go. Olds, who has been with Bethesda for nearly 20 years, is considering leaving the game industry. This follows other layoffs at the studio, raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
id Software Considered a Perfect Dark Game
id Software experienced significant layoffs, with at least 92 full-time employees affected as part of broader cuts at Xbox. The article examines the impact of these workforce reductions on the studio.
"We were already running a tight ship": Elder Scrolls 6 devs are worried about Xbox's layoffs causing even more delays to the long-awaited RPG
Bethesda developers are concerned that recent layoffs at Microsoft and Xbox will cause further delays for The Elder Scrolls 6. Staff report that the cuts have negatively impacted morale and may lead to longer development cycles due to the need for onboarding new or contract labor. Developers fear this will necessitate crunch time to meet deadlines for the highly anticipated RPG.
"Probably dead forever": Team behind the incredible Doom and Wolfenstein engine reportedly reduced to 1 person…
Following significant job cuts at id Software, the legendary studio's proprietary id Tech engine reportedly has only one person left working on it. This development raises concerns about the future of the engine, which has powered iconic titles like Doom and Wolfenstein since the mid-'90s. While some speculation exists about potential support from the id Software Frankfurt office, the immediate future of the engine and id Software's projects remains uncertain amidst widespread layoffs impacting Microsoft's gaming divisions.
The Elder Scrolls 6 will be hurt and potentially delayed by Xbox layoffs, Bethesda devs expect: "This has had a…
Bethesda Game Studios developers express concern that recent Xbox layoffs will negatively impact the production and potentially delay The Elder Scrolls 6. Staff report that the loss of programmers, artists, and designers has already affected morale and workflow, with fears of increased reliance on contract labor and further delays.
"Great job Microsoft": Former id Software artist says the legendary dev has been "relegated to support studio size" after Xbox's strategy of "nuking a team into the dirt"
Former id Software artist Derek Best stated that Microsoft's recent layoffs have reduced the iconic FPS developer to a support studio size. Best, who was among the 136 employees laid off, criticized Microsoft's strategy, noting the significant loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the id Tech engine team. The layoffs have raised concerns about the future of id Software's core franchises like Doom and Quake.
Xbox layoffs have likely killed another Perfect Dark reboot from the hollowed-out id Software, as well as a John…
Recent layoffs at Xbox, including approximately 136 at id Software, have likely halted potential projects such as a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired game codenamed "Fury." The significant staff reductions at id Software have reportedly reduced it to a support studio, making ambitious new game development unlikely.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Devs Fear “More Delays” After Layoffs Have “Crushing Effect On Morale”
Developers at Bethesda Game Studios are concerned that recent Microsoft layoffs could lead to significant delays for The Elder Scrolls 6, citing a "crushing effect on morale." These cuts, impacting various disciplines, raise fears of project timelines being pushed back and potential reliance on contract labor. The studio is also reportedly planning Fallout 5 after The Elder Scrolls 6.
New Perfect Dark, Co-Op Doom Were Reportedly In The Works At Id Software Before Mass Layoffs
Mass layoffs have significantly impacted id Software, with reports suggesting projects like a new Perfect Dark game, a co-op Doom experience, and a John Wick-inspired title called Fury were in development. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's 'reset plan' led to the dismissal of over half of id Software's staff, potentially affecting the future of the id Tech engine and other studios like Obsidian Entertainment and ZeniMax Online Studios.
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.
Microsoft’s nonsensical Elder Scrolls Online layoffs cut 213 staff, according to WARN Act disclosure
Microsoft has laid off 213 employees from ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, and 166 from ZeniMax, which includes Fallout 76. This news comes from a WARN Act disclosure and adds to previous layoffs at the studio. Despite the significant cuts, The Elder Scrolls Online has reportedly been a consistent revenue generator for over a decade.
Destiny 2 free game shows just how much fans hate ex-CEO and his car collection
A fan-made game called Destiny: The Final Car has been created to satirize and express frustration with former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons and his car collection. This comes amid fan discontent over Bungie's management, including layoffs and the shift away from new Destiny 2 content following Sony's acquisition of the studio.
Sony, Bungie settle with ex-Marathon director they accused of "predatory behaviour", bringing $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit to a close
Sony and Bungie have settled a $200 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett. Barrett alleged the companies falsely insinuated he engaged in sexual misconduct to destroy his reputation and avoid paying him nearly $50 million. The settlement brings an end to the legal proceedings, with Barrett's name being added to Marathon's credits. This news follows recent significant layoffs at Bungie.
