ZeniMax backs Elder Scrolls Online after Xbox layoffs

ZeniMax Online Studios said it remains committed to The Elder Scrolls Online after an estimated 1,600 layoffs at Xbox on July 6, 2026 that affected several long‑time ESO employees. The developer said roadmaps published earlier will be revised after the release of Season One as the team reassesses plans.

Community Manager Jessica Folsom posted an update on the game’s official forums outlining the studio’s immediate focus on delivering Season One. Folsom wrote that the team wanted to “reaffirm our commitment to The Elder Scrolls Online,” and added that “the roadmaps we previously shared will be shifting” while the studio steps back to clarify its timeline.

Several current and former staff announced redundancies on professional and social platforms, including Mike Finnigan, who spent nearly 15 years as an Associate Design Director, and Gina Bruno, a Principal Creator Engagement Manager with almost 19 years at the studio in community roles.

An internal message circulated to staff and stakeholders confirmed the Season One update “will continue as planned” and said planned items tied to other franchises will proceed. The message noted there is no information yet on future updates or iterations beyond Season One. Some employees have posted messages expressing uncertainty about how the game will operate with a smaller team.

Season One is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, July 8. The update includes a free questline for all players that brings back the Thieves Guild and tasks players with uniting three gangs and confronting a dangerous new group. ZeniMax has said the studio’s immediate efforts are focused on delivering that content.

At the parent-company level, leadership is shifting attention to the company’s largest franchises, which include The Elder Scrolls. ZeniMax’s statement said more details on the game’s roadmap and future development cadence will follow once the studio completes its internal review.