Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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New Fallout game in development by makers of New Vegas but at a cost
Xbox has commissioned Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, to develop a new Fallout game, led by project director Josh Sawyer. This decision comes after Obsidian experienced significant layoffs, with reports suggesting that previous projects were cancelled to prioritize this new Fallout title. The move aims to capitalize on the franchise's popularity, potentially releasing before Bethesda's Fallout 5.
Xbox had laid off 379 Zenimax workers in Maryland
Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off 379 employees across ZeniMax Media Inc. and ZeniMax Online Studios in Maryland. The cuts, effective September 4, 2026, impact 213 workers at The Elder Scrolls Online developer and 166 at ZeniMax Media Inc. This follows a broader trend of job reductions at Xbox, with a total of 3,200 roles being cut across the division.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Rapport: Obsidian skrotar flera projekt för att jobba på ett nytt Fallout
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly shifting focus to a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer. This pivot means a sequel to Avowed is being put on hold, with only a small team maintaining it. The studio has also undergone significant layoffs, cutting about a quarter of its staff, though development will continue on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2.
Obsidian Entertainment returns to Fallout franchise, while cancelling Avowed 2
Obsidian Entertainment is returning to the Fallout franchise with a new game led by Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas. This shift comes after Xbox announced mass layoffs, leading to the cancellation of Avowed 2 and other unannounced projects. The studio aims to leverage Xbox's established IPs for growth following recent sales disappointments.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Obsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
This Week in Switch 2 - PlayStation's physical media fiasco, Xbox layoffs & Nintendo's annual report
This Week in Switch 2 covers recent Nintendo news, PlayStation's announcement regarding physical media, and significant layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. The article also mentions a preview for Splatoon Raiders and free interactive maps for other games.
Are you excited for a new Fallout game from Obsidian? You know, given everything
Reports suggest Microsoft has tasked Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas, with leading a new Fallout RPG. This development comes amidst significant layoffs at Xbox and Obsidian, which reportedly led to the cancellation of an Avowed sequel. The situation remains fluid, but the prospect of a new Obsidian-developed Fallout game has generated mixed reactions due to the circumstances surrounding its potential creation.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
id Software Was Reportedly 'Toying With' Pitches for a New Perfect Dark, a John Wick-Inspired Game, and More Before Layoffs
id Software was reportedly exploring pitches for new projects, including a new Perfect Dark and a John Wick-inspired game, prior to recent layoffs that affected more than half of the studio's staff. Microsoft's involvement in these discussions is implied due to their ownership of id Software.
id Tech is Still Part of Xbox’s Future Despite Layoffs – Rumor
Despite recent layoffs at id Software, the id Tech game engine remains a part of Xbox's future plans, according to a report. Many employees working on the engine's development were affected by the cuts. The engine is expected to be used in future projects at id Software and by MachineGames for their Wolfenstein titles.
The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Layoffs Affect 213 Employees
ZeniMax Online Studios has laid off 213 employees, a significant portion of its workforce, following Microsoft's broader layoffs impacting Xbox. This reduction has led to a shift in the content roadmap for the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. Former employees expressed disappointment and concern over the impact on the game's development and the team's well-being.
DOOM Studio Pitched New Perfect Dark, John Wick-Style Projects Before Layoffs – Rumor
Rumors suggest id Software pitched several new projects, including a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired sci-fi noir game codenamed Fury, before recent layoffs significantly impacted its staff. These proposed titles were intended to diversify beyond the DOOM franchise. The studio's future as a standalone team is now uncertain following extensive job cuts, which are part of broader layoffs at Microsoft.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Team Worried About Delays and Crunch Following Layoffs – Rumor
Recent layoffs at Bethesda, impacting key personnel working on The Elder Scrolls 6, have reportedly caused concern among the development team regarding potential delays and increased crunch. The departures include programmers, artists, and designers, with fears that contract labor may be used to fill the gaps. The Elder Scrolls 6, announced in 2018, currently has no release date, but is estimated to be at least two years away.
Obsidian Reportedly Lays Off Staff; Cancels Avowed 2; Starts a New Fallout
Obsidian Entertainment has reportedly laid off approximately 25% of its staff and canceled a second project related to Avowed. The studio has also begun work on a new Fallout title, according to an unconfirmed report.
136 Layoffs at id Software
id Software has experienced 136 layoffs, with 96 employees affected at their Richardson offices and an additional 40 remote workers. These job losses are part of a larger trend impacting the company in 2026.
id Software Was Reportedly Considering Perfect Dark, A John Wick-Style Shooter And More Doom Before Xbox Layoffs
id Software experienced significant layoffs, leading to the cancellation of several projects including a new Perfect Dark game and an original IP. The studio's future creative direction is now uncertain following these workforce reductions.
Obsidian Entertainment may be pivoting to a Fallout game amid layoffs & reorganization
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly undergoing reorganization and layoffs, with speculation that the studio may be pivoting to a new Fallout game directed by Josh Sawyer, potentially shelving projects like an Avowed sequel. Conflicting reports suggest that The Outer Worlds 2 expansions and Avowed 2 are still in development or being re-pitched, though project pauses are rumored.
New Vegas devs Obsidian are reportedly working on a new Fallout game, and only Microsoft could make news I've waited half my life for taste this bitter
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly set to begin development on a new Fallout game, helmed by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer. This news comes as Microsoft recently laid off approximately a quarter of Obsidian's workforce. The article expresses mixed feelings, lamenting the circumstances under which this project is being greenlit, suggesting it's a business decision driven by Microsoft's focus on established franchises rather than purely creative desire.
Xbox just laid off a core Bethesda artist who worked on Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4 –…
Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs has impacted Bethesda, with lead character artist Christiane Meister, a 27-year veteran who worked on major titles like Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4, being let go. This move highlights significant cuts within Microsoft's gaming division, affecting core talent behind beloved franchises.
