Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has announced it has returned to staffing levels comparable to 2015-2018, following recent Xbox layoffs that impacted the studio. According to statements made by senior developers at the Elder Scrolls Online Tavern fan event in Hesse, Germany, the studio’s headcount reduction reflects workforce adjustments across Microsoft’s gaming division.
The studio had previously expanded its workforce to develop Blackbird, an ambitious new MMO project that was ultimately canceled. The return to pre-expansion headcount represents a significant downsizing from those levels, though the company maintains it has adequate resources for ongoing Elder Scrolls Online development and support.
This situation mirrors similar statements recently made by id Software, another major studio under Microsoft’s umbrella, which also described returning to a smaller staff size following the layoffs. The trend reflects broader consolidation in the gaming industry, as major publishers reassess project portfolios and operational efficiency in response to economic pressures.
The statement from Associate Design Director Jason Barnes and Associate Director Jessica Folsom was shared through community moderators during the fan engagement event. The Elder Scrolls Online, which launched in 2014, continues to receive regular content updates and expansions, with the studio’s focus shifted toward maintaining and expanding the existing experience.