Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They’ve Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
Microsoft is facing scrutiny following significant layoffs at id Software, with former employees expressing concern that the studio's proprietary id Tech engine may be discontinued. While Microsoft maintains that id Software has sufficient staff and is committed to id Tech, reports suggest that key personnel responsible for the engine's development were among those let go. This situation raises questions about the future of the engine, which is known for its optimization in first-person shooters, and the broader implications of industry reliance on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
A report contradicts Microsoft's statements regarding id Software's engine development, suggesting that the id Tech engine is likely to be abandoned following significant layoffs. An id Software worker claims that the removal of key personnel responsible for maintaining id Tech makes it improbable for the studio to develop future games using it, despite Microsoft's assurances that the engine is still actively supported.
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs
Microsoft's recent layoffs have impacted the leadership team of The Elder Scrolls Online, including studio head Jo Burba, who recently took on the role. Several key figures have departed, leading to a transition in leadership to Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini. These changes come after significant job cuts at Xbox and ZeniMax, with concerns raised about the future content output for the MMO.
Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed…
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to the departure of dozens of employees and several key leadership figures, including studio head Joseph Burba. The studio's MMO team has been reduced to a size not seen in over a decade, raising concerns about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. New leadership, Joshua Henderson and Nick Giacomini, will take over during a transition period.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
Zenimax Online Studios leadership included in widespread Xbox job cuts, as concerns around Elder Scrolls Online's longevity persist
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen several senior leadership members and 379 employees impacted by widespread layoffs at Xbox. This follows similar cuts last year and raises concerns about the longevity of the MMO, though the studio insists it remains committed to the game. A new leadership team will be formed from remaining staff over the coming months.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has experienced significant leadership changes due to recent Xbox layoffs, with studio head Joseph Burba, ESO producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz among those departing. Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working alongside game director Nick Giacomini. A total of 213 positions were eliminated at ZeniMax Online Studios.
Ubisoft Barcelona is on strike, while Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced gets the best launch on Steam
Employees at Ubisoft Barcelona have gone on a 3-day strike protesting recent layoffs, despite the company announcing that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced achieved 2 million sales in its first 24 hours on Steam. The studio, which contributed significantly to the remaster, is reportedly being shifted to focus solely on the Rainbow Six franchise. This news comes as the game's DLC is criticized for its high cost relative to the base game.
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant leadership changes and layoffs, with over 200 staff members, including studio head Joseph Burba and executive producer Susan Kath, being let go as part of broader Xbox workforce reductions. This follows previous contractions in the studio's headcount, raising concerns about the future development and growth of the game despite assurances from remaining leadership.
Comings and Goings
11 Bit Studios has laid off 20 employees as part of an adjustment to its new project teams. The company cited current needs as the reason for the workforce reduction.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
ZeniMax Online Studios is Losing its Leadership Team – Rumor
ZeniMax Online Studios is reportedly undergoing significant layoffs, with several veteran developers and leadership team members, including studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz, departing the company. These departures follow earlier reports of 213 employees being let go, significantly reducing the studio's workforce. The studio plans to transition to a new leadership team comprised of internal veterans over the next few months.
Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield retires
Glen Schofield, a veteran game developer and co-creator of Dead Space, has announced his retirement after 35 years in the industry. Schofield, who also co-directed multiple Call of Duty titles and founded Striking Distance Studios, cited the challenging current state of the industry in his announcement. He expressed gratitude to companies like Electronic Arts and Activision for the opportunities he had throughout his career.
Comings and Goings
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting numerous studios and projects. Industry figures like Jason Schreier have reported on the scale of these cuts, with outlets like Game Developer and BBC analyzing the implications for the gaming giant's future.
Making Fallout and Elder Scrolls games will "be harder than ever now" following Xbox cuts, say laid-off Bethesda devs calling loss of institutional knowledge "staggering"
Former Bethesda Game Studios developers report that recent layoffs at Xbox, impacting dozens of staff, will make developing core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls significantly harder. They expressed concern over the staggering loss of institutional knowledge and its potential impact on future projects, including The Elder Scrolls 6.
Laid-off id Software devs "cannot imagine a path forward where they make another game in id Tech," despite the…
Former id Software developers express doubt about the studio's ability to create future games using the id Tech engine following significant layoffs by Microsoft. Despite a statement from id Software claiming they retain sufficient staff, affected employees believe the loss of institutional knowledge makes continued development of the engine unlikely. This comes as Bethesda reportedly plans to focus on major franchises, including those built on id Tech.
Devs recount chaotic Xbox firings as modders rally behind Bethsoft and ZOS unions
Developers recount chaotic and cruel firings at Xbox, Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software, with employees reportedly notified via brief, disabled video calls. Remaining staff face low morale and increased workloads, with union members disproportionately affected. The PC modding community has shown support for affected developers by creating mods for Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with rallies planned.
"You'll never get another World of Warcraft or Morrowind in the current climate," id Software producer says as constant layoffs batter the industry
id Software producer Andrew Willis criticizes the current state of the video game industry, citing widespread layoffs and mismanagement by executives who lack understanding of game development. He argues that this focus on short-term gains and profit extraction prevents the creation of long-term, impactful franchises like World of Warcraft or Morrowind. Willis suggests that the industry's volatility for employees, despite increasing consumer spending, points to a failure in executive leadership.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced studio Ubisoft Barcelona goes on three-day strike in protest of layoffs
Ubisoft Barcelona, a studio involved in the development of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, is staging a three-day strike to protest layoffs. Despite the game's success, 51 workers are reportedly impacted by restructuring. Developers are demanding better severance packages and assurances against future job cuts.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft," says Doom dev: "They have destroyed immense amounts of value that I don't even think that they're aware of"
A developer at id Software claims there are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft, citing mass layoffs that occurred just before the launch of a new Doom DLC. The developer stated that Microsoft has destroyed significant value and that even successful game launches do not guarantee job security. This comes after reports of 136 out of 185 developers being laid off from the studio.
