“Just really sad that this is how id Software, the pioneer/innovator of FPS action games is relegated to just another ‘reorganization’ of assets,” Maynard wrote in his LinkedIn post.
As much as half of the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online has been let go, according to a Kotaku report.
Credit:
Zenimax Online
Meanwhile, IGN obtained an email from Bethesda President Jill Braff to staffers expressing “sincere gratitude” to “a number of our colleagues” who were impacted by the layoffs. IGN says employees at Bethesda Studios were “hit particularly hard” by the layoffs, while remaining staffers are “facing an uncertain future” as Microsoft said it is planning to lay off 1,600 more employees throughout this fiscal year (in addition to 1,600 let go yesterday).
The changes in strategy and headcount mean that Bethesda “need[s] to change course,” Braff wrote in her email, transforming into a company “that focuses on our strongest franchises.” That could be bad news for newer franchises like Starfield and for The Elder Scrolls Online, with the latter game losing as much as half of its developers, according to a Kotaku report.
“We must strengthen our business, return to sustainable growth, and ensure we can continue investing in our franchises and our players,” Braff continued in her message to employees. “I know that doesn’t make a day like today any easier.”
