Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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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.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Will Suffer Because of Xbox Layoffs, Bethesda Staff Say, Fearing Delays, Crunch, and Generational Talent Being Replaced by Contractors
Bethesda staff express concerns that recent Xbox layoffs will significantly impact the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. They fear potential delays, increased crunch, and the replacement of experienced talent with contractors.
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead
Microsoft's restructuring has severely impacted id Software, with 136 employees laid off, leaving fewer than 50 staff. This reduction in force has reportedly led to the cancellation of new game ideas like 'Fury' and a 'Perfect Dark' title, and casts doubt on the studio's ability to develop full-scale games independently. The future of id Software appears to be shifting towards a support role for other Xbox studios, potentially focusing on its proprietary id Tech engine.
Fallout: New Vegas studio Obsidian reportedly moved onto a new Fallout game by Xbox, but at the cost of a sequel to Avowed
Xbox has reportedly shifted Obsidian Entertainment's focus to a new Fallout game following significant layoffs at the studio. This move has led to the cancellation of multiple projects, including a sequel to the RPG Avowed. Studio design director Josh Sawyer, who previously directed Fallout: New Vegas, is expected to lead the new Fallout title.
Obsidian Has Cancelled Multiple Projects To Make New Fallout, Per Report
According to a report, Microsoft has canceled multiple projects at Obsidian Entertainment to have the studio develop a new Fallout game, with Josh Sawyer leading the design. This decision comes amidst significant layoffs at Microsoft and Obsidian, and the cancellation of a planned sequel to Avowed. The new Fallout title will be the first mainline entry in the series since Fallout 4 in 2015.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Doom devs id Software were reportedly kicking around ideas for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game, and multiplayer demonslaying prior to layoffs
Following recent layoffs at id Software, the studio was reportedly exploring ideas for new games, including a new Perfect Dark title and a John Wick-inspired action game codenamed Fury. These pitches were being considered after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, though it remains uncertain if id Software has sufficient staff to pursue these projects. Other concepts included a wild west robot survival game and further Doom multiplayer or DLC content.
