Big changes are rocking the world of gaming as Xbox layoffs hit hard, especially at Bethesda. This is a big deal because beloved franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout could be affected.
Bethesda Game Studios, along with Doom developer id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, are all feeling the heat. A whopping 379 employees from ZeniMax’s Maryland offices were let go, along with numerous others from different locations. These layoffs are part of a larger restructuring effort by Xbox, which plans to cut over 1,600 jobs in the next year. The new Xbox strategy, led by CEO Asha Sharma, aims to focus on bigger franchises like Halo, Minecraft, and The Elder Scrolls. However, the impact on game quality and future releases remains uncertain. For more on the wider implications, check out our piece on Bethesda’s challenges post-layoffs.
The question now is: what’s going to happen to The Elder Scrolls 6? With development already delayed, staff are worried that the layoffs could lead to even more setbacks. Morale is low, and fears of being replaced or having to work under crunch conditions are growing. It’s not just Bethesda feeling the pinch; the entire gaming industry is watching closely. For a deeper dive into how these layoffs affect the industry, see our analysis of Elder Scrolls 6 amid Xbox layoffs.
Keep an eye out for further updates as the situation develops, especially if you’re a fan of these iconic games. Stay tuned!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels