Layoffs
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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.
2 months after releasing Zero Parades, Studio ZA/UM is laying off employees: 'Its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size'
Studio ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees, citing the commercial performance of its recent game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet sales expectations, preventing the studio from sustaining its current size. This follows a history of internal turmoil and departures of key figures from its previous acclaimed title, Disco Elysium.
Controversial Disco Elysium studio plans 32 layoffs after latest RPG's underwhelming "commercial performance": "Our artistic standards remain unchanged"
Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees due to the disappointing commercial performance of its latest RPG, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite the studio's internal turmoil and previous layoffs, ZA/UM states its artistic standards remain unchanged.
"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.
Marathon Game Director Leaves Bungie At A Tumultuous Time
Joe Ziegler, the game director for Bungie's upcoming title Marathon, has announced his departure from the studio to pursue a new opportunity. Del Chafe III will take over as game director, working with creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's exit occurs during a turbulent period for Bungie, which recently underwent layoffs impacting both the Destiny and Marathon teams.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
ZA/UM Studios to lay off up to 32 workers two months after releasing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
ZA/UM Studio, the developer behind Disco Elysium and Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, is laying off up to 32 employees across all departments. The company cited that while Zero Parades received critical acclaim, its commercial performance did not meet expectations, making it unsustainable to maintain the current studio size. This follows a history of internal disputes and previous layoffs at the company.
Zero Parades Dev Announces Layoffs Despite Game’s Critical Acclaim
Despite critical acclaim, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 staffers due to the game's commercial performance. The studio stated that while the team's shape is changing, its artistic standards remain unchanged. This news comes amidst a wave of layoffs across the gaming industry, with companies like Xbox and Sony also making significant staff reductions.
Bethesda Boss Talks Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 5, Xbox Layoffs, And More
Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard provided updates on multiple upcoming projects, confirming that The Elder Scrolls 6 is the studio's primary focus and Fallout 5 is in pre-production. He also revealed that Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas will receive full remakes, and that Starfield will get a Starborn DLC. Howard also touched on the recent Xbox layoffs and the ongoing development of Bethesda's franchises.
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 says layoffs at Bethesda were "really tough": "We're going through a change so that we…
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard described the recent layoffs at the studio as "really tough," acknowledging the impact on long-term employees. These cuts, part of broader Xbox staff reductions, are reportedly pushing Bethesda to focus on key franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. The news comes amid discussions about the future of Fallout titles and remasters, with fans expressing concern over the impact of these layoffs on game development.
Comings and Goings
Microsoft is facing legal action from video game unions in the US and Canada over alleged unfair labor practices related to recent Xbox layoffs. ZeniMax Online Studios is also mentioned in connection with these labor disputes.
Bethesda confirms Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters, makes Obsidian collaboration official, and says Fallout 5 is in…
Bethesda Softworks has outlined its future plans, confirming remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and officially announcing a new Fallout project in collaboration with Obsidian Entertainment. While Fallout 5 is in pre-production and considered a long-term goal, the studio is also working on an expansion for Fallout 76 and continues to support Starfield and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Fallout: New Vegas remaster confirmed as Bethesda finally gives Fallout 5 update
Bethesda has officially announced remasters for both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, confirming years of rumors. While no release dates or specific details were provided, the company also mentioned that Fallout 5 is in pre-production and that Obsidian Entertainment is working on a new Fallout title. The announcements come amidst news of significant Xbox layoffs and a commitment to continued support for Starfield.
Bethesda reassures fans The Elder Scrolls 6 is "on the way" following the Xbox cuts, and that it's "loving how it looks" and "playing it every day"
Bethesda Game Studios has reassured fans that The Elder Scrolls 6 is actively in development and progressing as planned, despite recent Xbox layoffs. The studio confirmed that the majority of its team is focused on the next installment, which will utilize the Creation Engine 3. Bethesda also announced a closer partnership with Zenimax Online Studios for the franchise and revealed plans for Fallout 5.
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.
Those rumoured Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remasters are real, Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and Fallout 76 is getting a massive expansion
Bethesda has confirmed that remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development, alongside a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. Fallout 5 is officially in pre-production, with its long-range destination set for around Fallout Day 2027. Additionally, Fallout 76 will receive a major expansion titled Raven Rock in 2027, serving as a prequel to Fallout 3, and native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are being tested.
Bethesda confirms Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3 remasters are in development
Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that remasters of Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3 are in development, with Obsidian Entertainment collaborating on a new Fallout game. This announcement follows recent layoffs at Xbox, though no release window has been provided for the remasters.
Unions file unfair labor complaints accusing Microsoft of ‘unlawful’ firings and ‘coercive’ action at Xbox studios
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft and Xbox studios, including ZeniMax Online Studios, over recent layoffs. The complaints accuse Microsoft of failing to provide information, modifying contracts, engaging in surveillance, and refusing to bargain with union members. Xbox has stated they are committed to beginning bargaining with the CWA.
Doom: The Dark Ages lead says claims that id Software has been "gutted" by layoffs are "not true," and its engine team is "very much alive and well"
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin addressed reports of significant layoffs, stating that claims of the studio being "gutted" are untrue. He confirmed that the studio's size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was made and that the id Tech engine team is active, with engineers in both Germany and at MachineGames. Martin emphasized that Doom: The Dark Ages is progressing well and that the studio is focused on celebrating the success of their games.
