Multiple Bethesda employees have voiced concerns that recent Xbox layoffs will substantially impact the development of the highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6. Speaking anonymously to protect their careers, staff at the studio described a "substantial and cascading effect" on the game's progress, citing shattered morale and increased risks of future development crunch.
The job losses have affected various disciplines, including programmers, artists, and designers, with some long-serving employees being let go. This has led to makeshift memorials within Bethesda's offices, featuring photographs of laid-off colleagues, though some displays have reportedly been dismantled.
These layoffs are part of a broader downsizing at Microsoft's Xbox division, which recently saw approximately 1,600 employees lose their jobs. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma described the restructuring as the most significant in Xbox history, stating that the gaming business is "not healthy." An additional 1,600 employees are slated to depart throughout the year as Xbox aims for a leaner operation focused on its major franchises like Halo, Forza, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls.
Bethesda's leadership has acknowledged the difficult situation. In an internal memo, Bethesda boss Jill Braff stated that the changes reflect "the realities of our industry and business" and are necessary to "ensure Bethesda is operating from a more stable foundation." She indicated that Bethesda teams would collaborate more closely and prioritize the company's strongest franchises to better serve players and the studio's overall health.
However, staff express worry that the loss of experienced personnel will necessitate hiring contractors or onboarding new employees unfamiliar with Bethesda's proprietary tools, potentially leading to further delays. "We were already running a tight ship and are worried about this delaying the game," one developer noted, adding that morale has been significantly affected by the uncertainty.
The Elder Scrolls 6, announced roughly eight years ago, is reportedly still at least two years away from launch, a lengthy development cycle that has already tested fans' patience. The recent staff reductions have also hit other ZeniMax Media studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, developer of The Elder Scrolls Online. These cuts have reportedly led to changes in content roadmaps and concerns about replacing in-house expertise with external contractors.
Employees have expressed a pervasive sense of insecurity, with some fearing that future layoffs are inevitable. "The 'survivors' were told they're safe from those next 1,600 but it's not entirely reassuring," one laid-off staff member commented. "Even if that's true, who's to say there's not another 1,600 next year after that?" The sentiment highlights a broader concern that long-term careers within Xbox may be uncertain, with employees facing the prospect of layoffs rather than traditional retirement.