Xbox layoff wave hits id Software and Bethesda

Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs across the Xbox division, with reports that id Software and Bethesda were hit hard: roughly half of id Software’s staff (about 90 people) and as much as half of The Elder Scrolls Online team were cut, per anonymous sources and Kotaku. Bethesda President Jill Braff emailed staff acknowledging the impact and urging a focus on core franchises, as Microsoft also plans to cut 1,600 more roles this fiscal year on top of yesterday’s round. The upheaval raises questions for titles like Starfield and ongoing ESO development within the company’s game studios.