How does this affect you guys and conversely us here in game ?

RandomKodiak · July 10

"ZeniMax Media, a Rockville-based video game developer, is expected to lose about half, or 194, of its employees due to Microsoft Corp.’s plans to lay off 9,000 people from its workforce. Microsoft acquired ZeniMax for $7.5 billion in 2021. [Washington Business Journal]" @ZOS_GinaBruno @ZOS_Kevin

SaffronCitrusflower · July 10

can you please post a link to the actual article?

I knew this was going to be bad, but didn't realize it was this bad.

redlink1979 · July 10

"(...) This wasn’t just another internal reshuffle. It was a seismic decision that underlined Microsoft’s shifting priorities in its broader tech empire—one now driven by AI investments, data centers, and $80 billion infrastructure ambitions, rather than legacy game development.(...)"

"(...)FAQ About Microsoft’s ZeniMax Layoffs
- How many ZeniMax employees were laid off by Microsoft?
Microsoft cut 194 employees from ZeniMax Media in Rockville, Maryland, which equates to roughly half the studio’s workforce.
- Why did Microsoft lay off ZeniMax employees?
The layoffs are part of a larger reduction of 9,000 jobs company-wide, as Microsoft pivots toward AI infrastructure and data center expansion, with $80 billion in related investments planned for 2025.
- What games does ZeniMax Media develop?
ZeniMax is known for blockbuster franchises such as Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.
- Was an upcoming game canceled because of the layoffs?
Yes. A game code-named “Blackbird,” which reportedly received high praise internally, was canceled amid the layoffs.
- What impact could this have on Fallout and Elder Scrolls?
The layoffs may slow development and reduce creative continuity for Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI, as core developers and designers were affected.
- When did Microsoft acquire ZeniMax Media?
Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in 2021 to bolster its Xbox Game Studios portfolio.
- Where is ZeniMax Media located?
ZeniMax Media is headquartered at 1370 Piccard Drive in Rockville, Maryland.
- How large are Microsoft's total layoffs in 2025?
Including the ZeniMax layoffs, Microsoft has cut over 15,000 employees so far in 2025, marking its largest reduction in nearly two years.
- What does this mean for Maryland's gaming industry?
The layoffs pose a serious threat to Maryland's gaming sector, potentially discouraging investment, reducing job opportunities, and weakening a previously strong creative hub in Rockville.
- Is Microsoft prioritizing AI over gaming?
Yes. The company’s layoffs suggest a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure, potentially at the expense of its game development studios.(...)"

https://www.foxessellfaster.com/blog/microsoft-just-slashed-half-of-zenimax-mediais-this-the-end-for-fallout-and-elder-scrolls-in-rockville/