Tag: Microsoft

  • New Xbox Consoles in Doubt After Price Hikes Spark Criticism

    New Xbox Consoles in Doubt After Price Hikes Spark Criticism

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is reconsidering its future direction, potentially shifting towards becoming a multi-platform publisher rather than focusing solely on Xbox hardware.

    2. A leaked email from Xbox President Sarah Bond raised hopes for new hardware, including a possible successor to the Series X and an Xbox handheld.

    3. Despite partnership hints with AMD for new consoles, plans for actual hardware may be abandoned, with a focus on Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming instead.

    4. Retail concerns are growing, as Costco has stopped carrying Xbox hardware, and price increases on older consoles make consumers skeptical about their value.

    5. There are doubts about the reliability of insider information, but past executive comments suggest that without exclusive games, new Xbox consoles may lack purpose.

    Despite a decline in enthusiasm for its hardware, Microsoft has maintained that new consoles are on the horizon. However, an insider has suggested that the company might be reconsidering its future direction. SneakersSO has predicted a shift for Microsoft towards becoming a multi-platform publisher. Following yet another price hike for the Series X|S, he asserts that retailers are beginning to lose faith in Xbox consoles.

    Changing Plans

    On NeoGAF forums, SneakersSO shared that “all of a sudden, the once clear plans for actual MS Xbox hardware became uncertain.” A leaked email from Xbox President Sarah Bond in 2024 had raised hopes for a successor to the Series X. The “next-generation hardware” Bond mentioned might include not just a new console but also an Xbox handheld, alongside the Asus-made ROG Xbox Ally.

    New Directions

    When Microsoft formed a partnership with AMD in June, it hinted that a new Xbox console was on the way. However, SneakersSO believes the company has decided to abandon previously made plans. Gamers might still see Microsoft collaborating with third-party gaming systems, but the primary focus will shift towards publishing on other consoles, Xbox Game Pass, and cloud gaming services.

    Market Concerns

    The leaker interprets Costco’s decision to stop carrying Xbox hardware as more than just a minor issue. With five-year-old consoles seeing price increases, consumers find it hard to see the value in these systems. Likewise, discount retailers may be reluctant to stock the pricier new consoles. While there’s no sign that Sony has postponed the PS6, tariff issues could complicate efforts to draw in buyers.

    Skepticism Remains

    Although SneakersSO has a somewhat limited reliability record, there is room for doubt. Still, if he’s right, Microsoft could be taking cues from former executives. Laura Fryer, a past employee, was among those who declared Xbox hardware obsolete, arguing that without exclusive games, a new console wouldn’t have much purpose. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard also signaled a shift in priorities for the company.

    NeoGAF forums, Xbox YouTube

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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices have increased from $19.99 to $29.99, causing dissatisfaction among gamers.
    2. Call of Duty fans will no longer receive a 10% discount on add-ons, including Call of Duty points and BlackCell.
    3. The new Premium tier offers some first-party Xbox games but does not include Call of Duty titles.
    4. Discounts on DLC for other Xbox games, like Indiana Jones and Starfield, have also been removed.
    5. Microsoft faces criticism and user cancellations despite claims that Game Pass offers more value than before.

    Gamers are continuing to discover more downsides to the recent increase in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices. CharlieIntel shared on social media that Call of Duty fans will no longer get a 10% discount on add-ons. This update comes right after the beta testing for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has started.

    DLC and Add-Ons Impact

    DLC and add-ons represent a significant revenue stream for Activision’s yearly shooter franchise. Players can personalize their gaming experience through skins and cosmetic options for weapons and vehicles. The discounts that are affected include buying Call of Duty points and BlackCell, which is an enhanced battle pass.

    Access and Pricing Details

    Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate might consider themselves lucky to even have access to Call of Duty titles. Beyond PC Game Pass, it’s now the only tier that offers day one releases like Black Ops 7. The new $14.99 Premium tier will provide some first-party Xbox games within a year of their launch, but it does not include Call of Duty. Nonetheless, the price for the Ultimate plan has sharply increased from $19.99 to $29.99, as of October 1st.

    Other Games Affected

    Fans of shooter games aren’t the only ones facing full prices for extra content. TheGamer pointed out that discounts on the Order of the Giants DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have vanished. In a similar fashion, regardless of the subscription level, discounts are no longer available for other Xbox titles like Starfield and Forza Horizon 5.

    Microsoft is facing ongoing criticism after the recent price hikes for Xbox consoles. The rumored more expensive subscription options quickly became actual plans. While the company may have shifted its focus away from the Series X|S, Game Pass continues to be a significant selling point for the new ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds. Even though Microsoft asserts that the service provides more value than before, it hasn’t stopped a wave of cancellations from users.

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  • Microsoft Developing Free Xbox Cloud Gaming Version

    Microsoft Developing Free Xbox Cloud Gaming Version

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is introducing a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, moving away from the requirement of an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
    2. The free tier will be ad-supported, requiring players to watch a two-minute ad before gameplay.
    3. Gameplay will be limited to one hour per session and a maximum of five hours per month.
    4. The game lineup will include owned games, classic titles, and rotating selections, with unclear details on resolution and visual quality.
    5. Xbox Cloud Gaming currently supports a maximum resolution of 1440p, while competing service GeForce Now offers higher resolutions and features.

    Microsoft is reportedly set to introduce a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, according to sources from The Verge. Previously, access to this service required an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, which was a slight improvement over its initial setup where it was available only through Game Pass Ultimate or a separate monthly fee.

    Free Tier Details

    The upcoming free tier of Xbox Cloud Gaming will be ad-supported. Players will need to watch a two-minute advertisement before they can start playing. Notably, each gaming session will be limited to just one hour, with a maximum of five hours of gameplay allowed each month. These restrictions may be relaxed as the service becomes more popular. The lineup of supported games will consist of ones you already possess, some classic titles, and a variety of other games that will rotate over time. However, specifics regarding resolution and visual quality remain unclear at this moment.

    Current Performance

    Right now, Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a maximum resolution of 1440p, so it’s reasonable to assume that 1080p could be a standard for the free tier. With the official launch of the service, Microsoft is probably aiming to rival Nvidia’s GeForce Now, which features similar restrictions in its free version. Nevertheless, GeForce Now allows users to game at an impressive 4K resolution with 120 FPS and ray tracing support in compatible games. On the flip side, Microsoft has an advantage due to Xbox Cloud Gaming’s smooth integration with its extensive range of hardware offerings.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Includes Ubisoft+ Classics and 90 Games

    Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Includes Ubisoft+ Classics and 90 Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Pass Ultimate’s price increased to $29.99 per month, a 50% rise, leading to a surge in membership cancellations.
    2. Over 90 new games are being added to the Game Pass library, including 14 Assassin’s Creed titles and other popular Ubisoft games.
    3. Game Pass Essential remains at $9.99, offering a rotating selection of over 50 games, while Game Pass Premium is priced at $14.99 for access to 200 games.
    4. Game Pass Premium includes new titles such as Diablo IV and Frostpunk 2, along with Xbox Game Studios titles arriving within a year of launch.
    5. Despite mixed feedback on the price increase, subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate will have access to a vast selection of games, enhancing their gaming experience.

    Microsoft’s latest changes to its Game Pass subscription have stirred up quite a response among users, leading many to cancel their memberships. The cancellation page saw a surge in traffic, causing some issues. Nevertheless, there is a positive aspect for those who choose to remain subscribed to Game Pass.

    Pricing Changes and New Additions

    Game Pass Ultimate has seen a price increase to $29.99 per month, which is a significant 50% rise. To ease the impact of this hike, Microsoft is enhancing the subscription value by adding over 90 new games to the Game Pass library across all tiers. Furthermore, Ubisoft+ Classics will be available exclusively for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, enriching the gaming experience even more.

    Exciting New Titles

    The new add-on brings 14 Assassin’s Creed titles to the service, such as Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection, and Assassin’s Creed Unity. Other notable Ubisoft games like Far Cry 3, which includes the Blood Dragon DLC, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Watch Dogs, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint will also be available on cloud PC and Xbox. This expansion pushes the Game Pass Ultimate library to over 400 games, in addition to providing more than 75 day-one releases each year and perks like Fortnite Crew.

    Game Pass Essential and Premium

    Game Pass Essential remains at a price of $9.99 and will showcase a changing selection of more than 50 games, including cloud gaming and multiplayer add-ons. Some new titles in Essential are Cities: Skylines Remastered, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Hades, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.

    On the other hand, Game Pass Premium, costing $14.99, grants access to 200 games on console, PC, and cloud. Xbox Game Studios titles are set to arrive within a year post-launch, excluding Call of Duty. Premium also adds 40 new games such as Diablo IV, Against the Storm, Age of Mythology: Retold, and Frostpunk 2.

    Final Thoughts

    Ultimate now includes all mainline Assassin’s Creed games and spin-offs, along with Far Cry 3, Rayman Legends, and South Park: The Stick of Truth, as well as Skull and Bones. Premium-exclusive previews feature titles like 9 Kings, Manor Lords, and Terra Invicta on PC. While the initial feedback has been mixed, with some criticizing the price increase of Game Pass Ultimate, those who remain with the Ultimate Tier will benefit from a vast selection of games to enjoy.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Cancellation Page Crashes After Price Increase

    Xbox Game Pass Cancellation Page Crashes After Price Increase

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft announced a 50% price increase for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Plan, raising the monthly fee from $19.99 to $29.99 starting October 1, 2025.
    2. The announcement led to a surge in cancellations, causing the Xbox website to crash and making it difficult for users to access the cancellation page.
    3. Microsoft introduced three new tiers for the Game Pass service, with changes to the Core and Standard plans, and the Ultimate plan aiming for more flexibility and value.
    4. The Game Pass library was expanded with 95 new games, including titles from the Assassin’s Creed series, while the Premium tier’s price increased from $11.99 to $14.99.
    5. The price hikes reflect a market shift towards subscription services amid declining hardware sales, with significant increases for PC Game Pass subscribers in certain regions.

    Microsoft has recently stirred up a lot of controversy with its announcement about the Xbox Game Pass Subscription service on October 1, 2025. The company revealed a 50% price hike for its premium Game Pass Ultimate Plan, pushing the monthly fee from $19.99 to $29.99. This sudden change has left many Game Pass subscribers feeling upset and frustrated.

    Chaos on the Cancellation Page

    The backlash was immediate, with numerous subscribers rushing to cancel their Game Pass subscriptions on the Xbox website. The high traffic caused the site to crash, making it difficult for many users to access the cancellation page for hours. Sam Comrie from Pocket Tactics was among the first to point out the issue on X, saying, “The page to cancel Game Pass subscriptions is broken already, incredible.”

    On social media, players expressed their anger, as they encountered messages stating they could not cancel their subscriptions and were advised to reach out to customer service. Despite this, many managed to get through after several tries. Some users shared they had to wait over 30 minutes for the cancellation page to finally load. By late afternoon, the website seemed to stabilize, enabling most players to cancel their subscriptions successfully.

    New Tiers and Game Library Expansion

    In addition to the price increase, Microsoft has restructured the service by introducing three new tiers. The Core plan has been renamed to Essential, the Standard plan is now called Premium, and the Ultimate plan retains its original name but aims to offer “more flexibility, choice and value.”

    Moreover, the Game Pass library has been expanded, adding 95 new games, which includes 14 titles from the Assassin’s Creed series via Ubisoft+ Classics. The Essential tier remains the most basic option, giving access to select games and cloud streaming at its previous price of $9.99.

    The Premium tier has seen a price increase from $11.99 to $14.99, now allowing access to PC games in addition to console titles. Furthermore, Premium subscribers will earn $50 worth of Microsoft Rewards points annually, while Ultimate users will receive $100, and Essential members will gain $25 worth of points each year.

    Price Hikes and Market Trends

    PC Game Pass subscribers will experience a significant price increase of 40% to 80% in certain regions, bringing their monthly fee to $16.49 without any extras. This move comes as Xbox seems to be shifting its focus more towards the Game Pass subscription service, especially as hardware sales decline. Major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are cutting back on console sales, while Costco has announced it will no longer sell Xbox hardware in both the U.S. and U.K.

    While the Game Pass service has been described as “profitable,” generating about $5 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year, this figure does not consider the costs associated with game development. The next few months will determine if the Game Pass can maintain its revenue growth and subscriber base or if it will see a significant drop.

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  • Search Google in Chrome Directly from Windows 11 Search Box

    Search Google in Chrome Directly from Windows 11 Search Box

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft may update the Windows search bar to respect the user’s default browser and search engine settings.
    2. New flags indicating these changes were found in an Edge Canary build, suggesting potential new features.
    3. “DSE” likely stands for Default Search Engine and “WSB” refers to Windows Search Box.
    4. Currently, Windows Search always opens a Bing page in Edge, regardless of the default browser.
    5. The rollout of these features is uncertain, as they may not reach the general public despite being detected.

    Microsoft has often overlooked the default browser setting when using the Windows search bar, particularly outside the European Economic Area (EEA). However, it looks like this might change soon, as signs of Microsoft updating the search bar’s functionality have emerged. Unfortunately, it’s still uncertain when this new feature will be available in a final version.

    New Features Spotted

    The flags indicating these changes were initially detected by Leopeva64 and shared on X a few weeks ago (September 18). They were found in an Edge Canary build and imply that the taskbar’s Windows Search box may finally honor the user’s chosen browser and search engine. Flags such as “msExplicitLaunchNonBingDSE,” “msExplicitLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDB,” and “msWSBLaunchNonBingDSE” hint that users might get the option to select their preferred browser and search engine through the Windows Search.

    Understanding the Flags

    As pointed out by Leopeva64, “DSE” probably stands for Default Search Engine, while “WSB” refers to Windows Search Box. Windows Latest provided a complete list of these related flags, which are worth noting.

    Being able to input a search term and then being taken to the default browser with that search would be an excellent improvement for Windows 11, should Microsoft proceed with a final version. Currently, no matter which browser is set as default, using Windows Search always results in a Bing page opening in Edge. However, since these flags were noted in Edge Canary—a version used for testing and experimentation—there’s also a chance that these features might not reach the general public.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while the potential for improved search functionality in Windows 11 is exciting, we still have to wait and see if Microsoft will roll out these updates. The detection of these flags is a positive sign, but nothing is guaranteed until an official build is released.

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  • Panasonic Warns UK Firms: Security Risks from Windows 10 EOL

    Panasonic Warns UK Firms: Security Risks from Windows 10 EOL

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving companies without security updates or assistance.
    2. UK businesses must choose between transitioning to Windows 11 or paying for costly Extended Security Updates (ESU), which will increase in price annually.
    3. A survey revealed that over half of UK IT decision-makers doubt their ability to maintain device security without migration or ESU, highlighting significant concerns about cyber threats.
    4. German firms showed less anxiety about security risks and costs compared to UK businesses, indicating a disparity in preparedness.
    5. Compatibility issues with applications and software are a major challenge for 47% of IT managers planning the transition to Windows 11, risking disruptions in operations.

    Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which means no more security updates or technical assistance. In some areas, customers can access a year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for free, but the UK is excluded from this benefit. This situation leaves British companies with two choices: either transition to Windows 11 or pay for ESU subscriptions, which will see their prices rise annually.

    Survey Insights

    Panasonic TOUGHBOOK carried out a survey involving 200 IT decision-makers from the UK and Germany. The findings highlight significant worries among UK participants:

    Over half of the respondents expressed doubts about their ability to maintain device security if they either fail to migrate or opt-out of ESU.

    Chris Turner, who is the Head of Go-to-Market at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Europe, emphasized the seriousness of the situation:

    “Postponing the transition to Windows 11 or choosing not to engage in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates brings considerable risks for UK firms, including increased susceptibility to cyber threats, compliance issues, and rising costs. With Windows 10 support ending shortly, outdated systems will miss out on vital patches. This scenario could leave companies, especially those in crucial infrastructure sectors, vulnerable to ransomware and operational setbacks.”

    Comparison with German Firms

    Turner pointed out that German organizations surveyed showed less concern regarding these risks, while UK businesses exhibited significantly greater anxiety about security threats and associated costs.

    Panasonic’s broader report outlines the financial implications. For a company managing 1,000 Windows 10 devices, ESU fees might accumulate to more than £340,000 in unforeseen charges once Microsoft’s per-device pricing is considered. The cost doubles each year for up to three years, making it an impractical temporary fix rather than a viable long-term strategy.

    Compatibility Concerns

    Beyond the financial aspect, software support presents another challenge. 47% of IT managers identified application and software compatibility as their primary hurdle when planning the transition to Windows 11. Many organizations anticipate disruptions as older hardware and essential business applications become unsupported.

    The message from both Microsoft and Panasonic is straightforward: inaction is not a safe option. Unsupported systems are prime targets for ransomware attacks, while compliance issues could result in regulatory penalties. For companies involved in critical services, the stakes extend beyond financial loss — outages or compromised systems can jeopardize public safety and operational stability.

    While Microsoft’s ESU program might provide temporary relief, it comes at a high cost and is short-lived. For most organizations, planning migration is no longer a matter of choice. As Turner stated, avoiding “decision paralysis” is crucial: delaying action until the last moment could turn out to be both the most expensive and risky decision.

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  • Retailer Cuts Xbox Series X Price by 50% Amid U.S. Increases

    Retailer Cuts Xbox Series X Price by 50% Amid U.S. Increases

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox console prices are set to increase in the U.S. starting October 3rd, following a previous price hike in May.
    2. Some retailers, like Costco in New Zealand, are offering significant discounts on Xbox bundles to clear out stock.
    3. The Xbox Series X Forza Bundle has seen a price drop from NZ$879.99 to NZ$439.99 (about $256 USD).
    4. Sales of Xbox consoles are lagging behind the PlayStation 5, with significant differences in global sales figures.
    5. Microsoft attributes the price hike to falling profits and a “changing macroeconomic environment,” while gamers speculate about tariffs affecting prices.

    Gamers looking to buy an Xbox gaming console have received more bad news from Microsoft. After prices already went up in May, U.S. customers should prepare for even higher MSRPs starting October 3rd. While some retailers have stopped selling the console, others are slashing prices to clear out their stock. For instance, in New Zealand, Costco has reduced the price of the Xbox Series X by 50%.

    Exciting Discounts on Bundles

    A user named Akbarock shared a post on the Gaming subreddit that showed this significant price drop. The Xbox Series X Forza Bundle is now priced at NZ$439.99, down from NZ$879.99. When converted to USD, this price is about $256.

    It seems that the store may have had too many of this bundle in stock. Interestingly, there’s a chance that Forza Horizon 6 will be announced soon, which could lead to more discounts on Forza Horizon 5. However, it’s uncertain how widespread this discount is across New Zealand. In fact, Costco in other areas has stopped selling the Xbox Series X and S both online and in many physical stores. It’s quite rare to see a current-gen console that still gets support from publishers being sold at such low prices.

    Challenges for Other Retailers

    Other retailers haven’t offered similar deals but are struggling to move Microsoft’s gaming consoles. The sales difference between the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X and Series S keeps increasing. According to VGChartz, by June, around 5.2 million PS5s were sold worldwide in 2025, in contrast to just 1.27 million for Microsoft’s consoles. Reports indicate that Microsoft has already cut back on hardware shipments to Europe and other regions.

    As the Xbox Series X price is set to rise to $649.99 in October, U.S. shoppers may be on the lookout for discounts. Mike Ybarra, a former Blizzard President, linked the price hike to falling profits. Nevertheless, Microsoft pointed to a “changing macroeconomic environment,” with many gamers suggesting tariffs as a potential reason.

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  • Tech Job Cuts Exceed 166,000 in 2025: What You Need to Know

    Tech Job Cuts Exceed 166,000 in 2025: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. In 2025, the tech industry has seen 166,387 job losses, with Intel facing the largest cuts at 34,000 positions.
    2. Microsoft has conducted multiple layoffs, totaling about 19,215 positions by the end of 2025 for efficiency reasons.
    3. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has laid off around 12,000 employees primarily due to cost-cutting and AI automation.
    4. AI is a significant factor in layoffs, with an estimated 37,702 positions affected by automation.
    5. The total number of tech layoffs could rise to 235,000 by the end of 2025, according to predictions by RationalFX.

    For many of the big technology companies, the year 2025 has been quite good in terms of finances — with Intel being a clear exception. However, employees are feeling less secure in their jobs. An analysis from RationalFX shows that 166,387 workers in the tech industry have lost their jobs so far in 2025. The findings come from U.S. WARN notices, the job platform TrueUp, TechCrunch, and the layoff tracker Layoffs.fyi.

    Intel’s Struggles

    Leading the pack is Intel. The chipmaker, which is facing challenges, intends to eliminate around 34,000 positions this year as it aims to improve its operations and rethink its approach.

    Microsoft’s Layoffs

    Not too far behind is Microsoft. The tech giant based in Redmond has already conducted several rounds of layoffs: about 6,000 roles in April and another 9,000 in July. RationalFX estimates that by the end of 2025, at least 19,215 positions will be cut for the sake of efficiency.

    Tata Consultancy Services

    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) from India comes in third place, having laid off around 12,000 employees this year. This is mainly due to cost-cutting efforts and the implementation of AI-based automation.

    The trend of job cuts continues across many major companies.

    AI is becoming a significant factor in these layoffs. It is estimated by analysts that about 37,702 of the layoffs this year were connected to automation and the incorporation of AI tools that have taken over tasks previously done by humans.

    Looking to the future, RationalFX predicts that the total number of tech layoffs could rise to 235,000 by the end of 2025.

    Tech Job Cuts Exceed 166,000 in 2025: What You Need to KnowTech Job Cuts Exceed 166,000 in 2025: What You Need to Know

     

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  • ZeniMax Chief Aims for The Elder Scrolls Online as 30-Year MMO

    ZeniMax Chief Aims for The Elder Scrolls Online as 30-Year MMO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft laid off over 9,000 employees in its Xbox division, marking significant job cuts in the gaming industry.
    2. ZeniMax Studios lost about one-third of its workforce, impacting key projects like The Elder Scrolls Online and halting the development of the MMORPG Blackbird.
    3. The layoffs created an emotional toll on the team, with game director Rich Lambert describing it as a “super emotional time” and a mourning process for lost colleagues.
    4. Communication regarding the layoffs was poor, leading to frustration among remaining employees, who felt betrayed and struggled with morale.
    5. Lambert has shifted to a higher-level role, with Nick Giacomini taking over day-to-day leadership of The Elder Scrolls Online, while the studio continues to release updates for player engagement.

    On July 2, 2025, Microsoft made the decision to lay off a large portion of its Xbox gaming division, impacting over 9,000 employees. This marked one of the harshest job cuts within the industry so far. The layoffs affected several internal studios, including ZeniMax Online, known for developing The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Impact on ZeniMax Studios

    Sources indicate that ZeniMax Studios experienced a reduction of about one-third of its workforce, resulting in the loss of important personnel and information crucial for the ongoing work on The Elder Scrolls Online. The layoffs also abruptly halted ZeniMax’s highly regarded project, Blackbird, which was an MMORPG that took inspiration from both Destiny and Cyberpunk 2077.

    Emotional Toll on the Team

    Following these layoffs, ZeniMax Online Studios faced significant emotional and operational difficulties, as revealed by game director Rich Lambert in a recent discussion with PCGamesN. Lambert took on the role of game director in mid-August, just a month before the sweeping cuts occurred. He referred to the layoffs as a “super emotional time,” losing many colleagues he had known for years. He expressed in the interview, “There were friends and colleagues involved that I had personally worked with for ten to fifteen years, and we lost them. You go through a sort of mourning process.”

    Challenges in Communication and Morale

    The effects of the layoffs not only impacted ZeniMax’s main team but also resonated throughout the wider studio, as employees expressed frustration over the “hollow” communication regarding the layoffs and the challenges in maintaining productivity during the restructuring. Even though staff characterized the overhaul as “disgusting” and “betraying,” ZeniMax remains dedicated to its flagship MMORPG.

    Regardless of these upheavals, Lambert remains focused on the vision for The Elder Scrolls Online. He stated, “But, at the end of the day, we still have our commitment to our community, to the game, and everyone that’s still here, and we have to move forward, as hard as that is. That’s what the studio focused on, we want ESO to be the 30-year-old MMO.”

    Shifting Responsibilities

    Lambert has now taken on a higher-level directorial role, passing the day-to-day leadership of ESO to Nick Giacomini, who has been a long-standing product management director. Lambert described this change as “bittersweet.” He commented on this transition, saying: “Nick is here to do the day-to-day, but I’m still involved in it – it’s kind of my baby. But I get to look at the studio-level things and the future-level things, and that’s all new to me. It’s a new challenge and it’s really, really exciting. Stepping away’s been harder than I thought it was going to be, but I’m excited to.”

    Even though the layoffs have disrupted morale, ESO continues to roll out updates to keep its player base engaged. For instance, ZeniMax introduced Update 47 Feast of Shadows in mid-August, which brought new mechanics like swimming mounts and various content updates.

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