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Microsoft has hit its gaming division with massive layoffs, reportedly cutting up to half of the development team behind The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
The company reportedly laid off thousands of employees across its gaming business as part of a restructuring of its Xbox division.
While no studios have been shut down completely, several teams faced significant workforce reductions.
Among the hardest hit is ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS), the developer behind ESO. A report from Kotaku revealed that up to half of the ESO team had been laid off.
The sudden workforce reduction left players deeply worried about the future of the popular multiplayer game
Many expressed concern that the game would struggle to grow without adequate development support.
Addressing the community on the official forums, ZOS community manager Jessica Folsom confirmed that upcoming plans were being altered, saying the remaining team needed time to re-evaluate its schedule.
"Looking beyond Season One, the roadmaps we previously shared will be shifting," said Folsom.
"We want to take the time to evaluate the work in front of us and then lock down an updated schedule."
The announcement sparked intense discussion online, where players shared worries about updates, expansions, and longevity
Some fans said the game might enter a low-power maintenance mode within the next year.
According to IGN, gamers expressed their frustration on various forums, noting that the news would likely discourage users from investing more time into the game.
