Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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The Elder Scrolls Online's developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years
Microsoft's recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, impacting an estimated 60% of the workforce, are criticized as cruel and short-sighted. Despite The Elder Scrolls Online's profitability and a recent positive shift in player sentiment and development strategy, the studio has faced significant workforce reductions, including the cancellation of the long-in-development Project Blackbird. This analysis argues that these cuts jeopardize the future of the MMO and the Elder Scrolls franchise's presence in the gaming landscape.
Obsidian game director reacts to people "spouting off" about the studio and how it's not what it "used to be"
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler defended the studio's current identity amidst recent layoffs and external criticism. He emphasized that the core team and creative DNA remain consistent with the studio's history, despite changes and project shifts, including a new Fallout game.
Something for the Weekend – 11/07/26
This week's news includes Microsoft confirming significant layoffs affecting multiple studios, Palworld's 1.0 launch with a large patch, and matchmaking issues for Black Ops players on PlayStation 4 and 5. God of War Laufey is slated for a 2027 release, and a petition to save physical games has garnered over 285,000 signatures.
id Software gives statement after layoffs with a positive outlook for its future
id Software has issued a statement following recent layoffs, emphasizing a positive outlook for its future in game and technology development, as well as hosting QuakeCon. The studio's current team size is comparable to when they developed Doom (2016), and they maintain a flat studio structure. Reports regarding the id Tech team's status have been clarified by Microsoft, confirming multiple individuals are working on the technology across various locations.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
PlayStation and Xbox are both dead, they just don’t realise it yet - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that both PlayStation and Xbox are in terminal decline due to recent layoffs, a move away from physical media, and increasing prices. The author believes that in ten years, only PC and Nintendo consoles will remain dominant, with Xbox and PlayStation potentially becoming third-party publishers.
id Software: Current Team is Same Size as for DOOM (2016)
id Software posted on X to address concerns about the studio's size following recent layoffs within Microsoft's Xbox division. The studio stated that its current team is the same size as it was during the development of DOOM (2016).
Comings and Goings
Ubisoft Barcelona has begun layoffs following the launch of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced. Additionally, Enginefall developer Red Rover Interactive is cutting 22 roles as part of workforce reductions in the game industry.
'Surprised there was anyone left to post this': Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online debuts seasonal content days after hundreds laid off from studio
ZeniMax Online Studios has launched its first-ever seasonal content, 'Return of the Thieves Guild,' for The Elder Scrolls Online. This launch occurs just days after the studio reportedly laid off 213 employees, more than half of its development team, as part of wider layoffs at Xbox. Player reactions on social media and forums have largely focused on expressing sympathy for the affected developers and criticizing Microsoft's timing and actions, rather than discussing the new content itself.
Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls 6, Blade, and More: As Xbox Layoffs Hit Hard, What's Going on at Bethesda?
Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios were affected by recent Xbox layoffs. The cuts impact development teams working on titles such as Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Blade.
Microsoft responds to racist Xbox layoff conspiracy theory, says CEO Asha Sharma is 'American born, raised, and…
Microsoft's chief communications officer, Frank X. Shaw, addressed conspiracy theories claiming recent Xbox layoffs were intended to replace American workers with foreign H-1B visa holders. Shaw stated the workforce changes were due to the Xbox business's unhealthy state, not to replace employees, and clarified that H-1B figures are company-wide and represent a small percentage of the total workforce. He also emphasized that Xbox is the largest employer of American workers in the gaming industry and its CEO, Asha Sharma, is American-born.
Microsoft Refutes Notion That Foreign-Worker Visas Were Behind Mass Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft communications lead Frank X. Shaw refuted claims that foreign-worker visas were the cause of recent mass layoffs affecting 1,600 people at Xbox. Shaw stated the workforce changes were due to a necessary business restructure, not to replace employees with foreign workers, and that H-1B visa holders represent a small percentage of the overall workforce and were not specific to Xbox.
Microsoft comms lead says Xbox layoffs "were not made to replace employees with foreign workers" in response…
Microsoft communications lead Frank Shaw clarified that recent Xbox layoffs, affecting 1,600 employees initially and planned to reach 3,200, were not made to replace workers with foreign H-1B visa holders. Shaw stated the workforce changes were necessary to restructure the Xbox business, which he described as unhealthy, and emphasized that the H-1B visa figures mentioned are company-wide and not specific to Xbox. He also highlighted that Xbox is the largest employer of American workers in the gaming industry.
ID software says team about same size as Doom 2016 team and they will continue on
ID Software has stated that its team size remains comparable to that of the Doom (2016) development. Despite recent layoffs impacting the studio, the company assures that it retains the necessary personnel to continue its development efforts.
id Software provides proof of life, says it 'still has the crew we need to build the games and tech we're…
Following significant layoffs at id Software, the studio has issued a statement assuring that it retains the necessary staff and technology to continue developing its signature games and the idTech engine. The company stated its current team size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was in development, aiming to quell concerns about its future capacity and reliance on Unreal Engine.
Id Software confirms layoffs reduced the team to its size 'when making DOOM (2016)'
Id Software has confirmed significant layoffs, reducing its team size to what it was during the development of DOOM (2016). The studio thanked fans for their support and stated it would still be present at QuakeCon 2026. Reports indicate around 96 on-site and 40 remote roles were affected.
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffs
id Software stated on X that it retains the necessary staff to develop its known games and technology, following significant layoffs across the Xbox portfolio. The studio claims its current team size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was developed, emphasizing a flat, maker-focused philosophy. This comes after reports suggested the layoffs left the company unable to maintain its idtech engine.
id Software Issues Statement Following Xbox Layoffs, Says It's Back to the Size It Was When It Made 2016's Doom
id Software has released a statement addressing recent layoffs at Xbox, confirming that the studio has returned to its approximate size during the development of the 2016 game Doom. The statement follows news of significant staff reductions at the first-person shooter developer.
Business and Finance
Microsoft is facing significant backlash following reports of approximately 4,800 layoffs and 2,273 H-1B visa approvals. The company's recent workforce adjustments have drawn criticism.
Comings and Goings
The union representing Bethesda employees confirmed participation in Xbox layoff protests, stating they will not 'quietly disappear.' This action highlights ongoing employee concerns regarding recent job cuts within Microsoft's gaming division.