Xbox cuts "not the end" for The Elder Scrolls Online, insists ZeniMax, despite a drastic reduction in size

Following sweeping Xbox layoffs that have affected The Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax Online, the development team has sought to reassure players that the game is not being moved into 'maintenance mode.' The cuts have reignited fears among the community, especially after ZeniMax had already shifted from developing expansions to smaller seasonal updates earlier this year. According to comments from Associate Design Director Jason Barnes and Associate Director of Community Management Jessica Folsom, ZeniMax Online Studios is now at the same size as when it developed the celebrated Summerset expansion in 2018. Game director Nick Giacomini and executive producer Susan Kath are reportedly working on a revised roadmap reflecting the team's new capacity following the cuts. Community manager ZOS_Kevin confirmed via the official forums that the plan is still to deliver great content, with an update expected soon. While Xbox and Bethesda's focus includes The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, with all eyes on The Elder Scrolls 6, the future of TESO remains uncertain, though the game had generated over $2 billion in revenue by 2024.