The Elder Scrolls 6 Development Impacted by Xbox Layoffs, Bethesda
This week's devastating Xbox layoffs will have a 'substantial and cascading effect' on Bethesda's development of The Elder Scrolls 6, multiple staff at the studio have told IGN.
This week's devastating Xbox layoffs will have a 'substantial and cascading effect' on Bethesda's development of The Elder Scrolls 6, multiple staff at the studio have told IGN.
This week's Xbox layoffs are expected to significantly impact the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 at Bethesda. Over 50 employees, including key personnel working on the highly anticipated game, have been let go, leading to concerns about morale, potential delays, and an increased risk of development crunch. The layoffs have already had a profound effect on the studio, with makeshift memorials set up to honor departed colleagues.
The layoffs are part of a broader downsizing effort under Xbox's new CEO, with a total of 1,600 staff being let go. This restructuring aims to refocus Xbox on its major franchises like Halo, Forza, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls. Despite these changes, staff fear that the development of TES 6 will suffer as a result.
Bethesda's leadership has acknowledged the challenges posed by the layoffs and emphasized the need for a more stable foundation moving forward. The company is now looking to strengthen its core franchises to ensure sustained growth and continued investment in its games and players.
Changes in Bethesda's strategy also indicate a shift towards prioritizing titles like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, potentially impacting other projects such as Starfield. The aftermath of the layoffs is being felt across various studios under the Bethesda umbrella, with implications for ongoing and future game development.
