Layoffs at ZeniMax: impact on The Elder Scrolls Online and the future of MMORPGs

In short

• Roughly half of The Elder Scrolls Online’s development team may have been laid off.
• The roadmap for future content will likely be adjusted.
• Community manager Jessica Folsom has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to the game.

GAME-scanner analysis

The recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, which reportedly affected more than 20 employees, are the result of a broader restructuring within Microsoft. This has led to a significant reduction in The Elder Scrolls Online’s development team, which could slow the creation of new content and updates. The layoffs are part of a larger operation in which Microsoft cut a total of 9,000 jobs, increasing pressure across the games industry, especially in the competitive MMORPG genre. Jessica Folsom, the community manager, has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to the game, offering some reassurance to players. However, uncertainty remains around the future development roadmap, and the exact impact of the layoffs is not yet fully clear. This could lead to a shift in the team’s priorities and possibly a change in the quality of future expansions.

What does this mean for players?

For The Elder Scrolls Online players, this could mean longer waits for new content and updates. Concerns about the quality and frequency of future expansions are real, especially given the recent changes within the team. Community engagement could also take a hit if players feel uncertain about the game’s future.

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