Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared positive feedback on the development of The Elder Scrolls VI, describing the game's "scale and grandeur" as "incredible" and its story as "even greater." Sharma's comments came via a social media post after she reportedly witnessed a "live playthrough" of the highly anticipated RPG at Bethesda's offices.
Sharma's visit to Bethesda coincided with a protest by unionized workers outside the company's Rockville, Maryland headquarters. The demonstration featured a large inflatable rat, a common symbol used by labor unions, and red flags representing laid-off Xbox employees. This action was timed to coincide with Sharma's presence, highlighting ongoing labor disputes within Xbox and its parent company.
The protest underscores broader concerns among Xbox workers regarding recent layoffs and contract negotiations. Rallies are planned for August 18th across the U.S. and Canada, organized by Xbox employees in conjunction with the Communications Workers of America, to protest layoffs and advocate for fair contracts that include layoff protections.
Despite these labor actions, Xbox and Bethesda have publicly assured that The Elder Scrolls VI will not be impacted by the significant layoffs occurring across Xbox studios. However, some developers within the company have expressed skepticism, with at least one id Software developer reportedly claiming in a recent interview that Xbox leadership does not fully understand game development or artistic vision.
Sharma's social media post also included a censored subtitle for The Elder Scrolls VI, consisting of eight asterisks. This has sparked speculation among fans who are eager to decipher any potential clues about the game's narrative or title, which has remained largely under wraps since its initial teaser announcement in 2018. The game is a sequel to a beloved franchise for which fans have waited nearly a decade.