The Elder Scrolls Online has launched its first-ever seasonal content, "Return of the Thieves Guild." The debut of this new content comes just days after ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of the long-running MMO, reportedly laid off 213 employees as part of wider workforce reductions at Microsoft and Xbox.
This timing has significantly overshadowed the launch of the new season. Instead of widespread discussion about the new content, players have largely focused on expressing sympathy and support for the affected development team members. Comments on social media and platforms like Steam and YouTube reveal a community concerned about the studio's future and critical of the recent layoffs.
Many players shared messages of support for those who lost their jobs. "Surprised there was anyone left to post this," one user commented on the Steam announcement for the season's launch. "So sorry for you guys. Hope you can keep the game going. Or better yet, find independence from MS." Another expressed heartbreak, stating, "Wishing the best for everyone. ♥️Hopefully this vicious cycle will end one day." The sentiment that "ESO has wonderful, passionate developers behind it and to lose them breaks my heart!" was common.
Some comments also directed ire towards Microsoft for the layoffs. "May whoever fires talented people like you BURN IN HELL along with all of Microsoft," one player wrote, adding, "I hope those who lost their jobs find companies more worthy of your talent." Another commenter directly criticized the timing, stating, "I would say Microsoft is out there being the real thieves guild, but the thieves guild still values people's lives over profit."
Even players who are not deeply invested in The Elder Scrolls Online expressed sympathy. "I'm sorry, even though I wasn't that into ESO you guys deserved better," one non-fan commented. "I hope everyone affected by the layoffs lands on their feet."
While some discussion did touch upon the new season and its visual appeal, these comments often still circled back to the developers. "This game and all the work you've put into creating such engaging and beautiful art, content, and stories has brought my friends and I a lot of joy over the years," one YouTube commenter wrote. "Can't wait to see what you all come up with next, I'm happy to keep supporting and I hope everyone that was cruelly and needlessly laid off finds great opportunities in their future."
This mass layoff at ZeniMax Online Studios, which reportedly has seen the studio lose more than half of its development team over the past year, has led to a somber reaction from the community regarding the launch of new content, with player focus firmly on the well-being of the developers behind The Elder Scrolls Online.