Elder Scrolls Online Has Big Plans Ahead, Devs Confirm
▼ Summary
– ZeniMax Online Studios’ new head Jo Burba reassures players that The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is secure and will continue receiving updates.
– Burba took over after Matt Firor’s departure and the cancellation of an unannounced MMO, coinciding with Microsoft’s layoffs of 9,000 employees.
– Despite layoffs, Burba emphasizes ESO’s long-term future, supported by Bethesda and Xbox, comparing it to other long-running MMOs.
– Morale at ZeniMax is reportedly low post-layoffs, with union member Autumn Mitchell criticizing Microsoft’s impact on studio culture.
– Microsoft reported $27.2 billion in net income for the quarter of the layoffs, with annual profits up 16% to $101.8 billion.
The Elder Scrolls Online continues to thrive with ambitious updates on the horizon, according to a recent statement from ZeniMax Online Studios’ new leadership. Despite recent industry turbulence, the development team remains committed to expanding Tamriel with fresh content and long-term improvements for its dedicated player base.
Jo Burba, recently appointed studio head, addressed the community directly to dispel concerns about the game’s future. “ESO isn’t going anywhere,” Burba emphasized. “We’re working on significant changes for Tamriel, and we’ll share more details soon.” The reassurance comes after a wave of upheaval at ZeniMax, including layoffs and the cancellation of an unannounced MMO project following Microsoft’s restructuring efforts.
Burba, a 13-year veteran of the studio, acknowledged the challenges faced by the team after the sudden departure of former head Matt Firor and the broader impact of Microsoft’s workforce reductions. “Losing colleagues has been devastating,” she admitted. “But our focus remains on ESO, it’s a long-term home for players, just as other MMOs have thrived for decades.”
The statement struck an optimistic tone, emphasizing resilience and the studio’s commitment to evolving the game. However, not everyone shares this optimism. Reports from within ZeniMax suggest morale has taken a severe hit. Autumn Mitchell, a union member at the studio, described the atmosphere as “terrible” in the wake of the layoffs, questioning how a diminished team can sustain the quality players expect.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s financial reports reveal a stark contrast, record profits of $27.2 billion in a single quarter, alongside the elimination of thousands of jobs. The company’s annual net income surged to $101.8 billion, raising further questions about the human cost behind corporate growth.
For now, ESO fans can take solace in the promise of ongoing support. The game’s roadmap remains intact, with developers determined to deliver new adventures while navigating an uncertain industry landscape. Whether the studio can maintain its creative momentum under these conditions remains to be seen.
(Source: PCGAMER)
