The Elder Scrolls Online: impact of Xbox layoffs on the game’s future

Briefly summarized

• ZeniMax Online has expressed confidence in the continued early access development of The Elder Scrolls Online, despite recent layoffs.
• The web version of the Crown Store is being removed, forcing players to log in in-game to make purchases.
• The monthly Crown Store Showcase will be simplified into a shorter list of items.

GAME-scanner analysis

The recent layoffs at Microsoft, which affected 1,600 jobs, have also hit ZeniMax Online, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online. This has led to significant changes in the game, including the removal of the web version of the Crown Store. That means players will now need to log in in-game to make purchases, which could reduce the store’s accessibility and ease of use. The shift from a detailed monthly showcase to a more concise listing may also affect player engagement, since less information will be available about new items.

However, ZeniMax has said it remains confident in the game’s continued early access development, suggesting plans to keep rolling out updates and content despite the reduced team capacity. This could be a crucial period for the MMO, which has been running for 12 years, and it will be important to see how these changes affect its player base.

What does this mean for players?

For players, access to the Crown Store will become less seamless, which could potentially lead to fewer purchases. The changes to the showcase may also affect how players discover and engage with new content. It remains unclear how these adjustments will impact the overall player experience, especially given the game’s long history and active community.

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