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Bethesda Developer of 27 Years Cut in Xbox Layoffs, as Staff Fear Cheaper Contractors Will Delay The Elder Scrolls VI
Bethesda Game Studios is undergoing significant layoffs as part of Xbox's restructuring, impacting the development of The Elder Scrolls VI. This includes the departure of key staff who have shaped the franchise over decades, raising concerns among remaining employees about the ability of new, less experienced contractors to meet the game's quality expectations. Reports suggest a potential delay in the game's release, which was already anticipated to be years away.
MonitorConfidence: HighMid term horizonReputational risk: High
Published 9 Jul 2026, 14:21 UTC4 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Bethesda faces substantial layoffs affecting key development staff
- Concerns raised about the impact on The Elder Scrolls VI
- Veteran employees fear being replaced by cheaper contractors
- Morale within the studio is reported to be at an all-time low
- Expected delays could push game release to 2030
Interesting facts
- The Elder Scrolls VI has been in development since 2011's Skyrim release
- Layoffs have led to a significant revision of the studio's current roadmap
- Experienced staff cuts include roles across programming, design, and art disciplines