Zenimax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has reportedly experienced a second significant wave of layoffs within the past year, with some sources suggesting that as many as half of the studio's employees have been affected. The cuts are described as "brutal" by individuals familiar with the situation, leading to concerns about the future functionality of the popular MMORPG.
In the wake of these layoffs and public announcements from affected developers on LinkedIn, community manager Jessica Folsom issued a statement on The Elder Scrolls Online forums. Folsom reaffirmed the studio's dedication to The Elder Scrolls Online and highlighted the upcoming launch of Season One as the immediate focus. This update marks a shift from the studio's previous expansion model, a change that was stated to be unrelated to earlier staff reductions.
While the full impact of the current layoffs remains unconfirmed, the roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online is set to undergo adjustments. Details regarding the nature of these changes or when more information will be shared have not yet been provided.
According to a report by Kotaku, employees were informed that the cuts were necessary for "improving long-term growth" for the company. The stated focus moving forward for Zenimax is on its major franchises, including The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.
This incident follows substantial layoffs less than a year ago at Zenimax Online Studios, which were characterized as "inhumane" by one former employee. Those earlier cuts also affected a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online development team and led to the cancellation of the in-development MMO Project Blackbird, resulting in the dismissal of its developers. The founder of Zenimax Online Studios resigned from his position in response to the cancellation of Project Blackbird.