What is the future of ESO? + ZOS Appreciation thread

spartaxoxo · July 6

I'm so sad for those affected by the layoffs. This seems so cruel and unfair after they literally just hit the studio with these layoffs. But seeing at least one of the people who got hit, I have to ask, what's happening? No matter what I understand if you guys aren't able to speak on it right now. Sending you all so much love. This has been the longest that I have ever stuck with a game. Thank you for the memories and wonderful work. I know it hasn't been perfect. But it's been a lot of fun.

I wish you all the best!

spartaxoxo · July 6

https://bsky.app/profile/thefinninator.bsky.social/post/3mpyccvc2e22r

Actually looks like he has addressed the community directly. I hope this is okay to post since it impacts ESO and he addressed us publicly. If not please delete the link.

AzuraFan · July 6

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Sending you all so much love. This has been the longest that I have ever stuck with a game. Thank you for the memories and wonderful work. I know it hasn't been perfect. But it's been a lot of fun.

I wish you all the best!

I'll second this. Only three MMOs have grabbed me, and ESO is one of them. I've spent the most time here. I've been critical on the forums, but that's because I really enjoy the game. I don't waste time talking about games I don't care about.

I'm so sorry to hear that half the team has been cut. I was laid off once, so I know how shocking and unpleasant it is, for both those cut and those left behind. Please take care of yourselves. And thanks for all the wonderful hours in ESO. I'm hoping there will be more!

Firstmep · July 6

I am genuinely sorry for all impacted. I might complain a lot but not even in my highest blood pressure moments would I ever wish this on anyone, especially since i have been thru this stuff before.

BretonMage · July 6

I'm so sorry to hear about this, I wish all those affected all the best in the coming months.

Arunei · July 6

While I don't expect them to make any public statement going into detail anytime soon, likely because of legal stuff that might need working out, I do hope we get something eventually letting us know what the outlook on things going forward is going to be.

This is so ridiculously disheartening and frustrating either way. Some studios were apparently let go according to that article, why couldn't Microsoft just cut Zenimax/Bethesda if the IPs weren't making as much money as they wanted instead of yanking the rug from under so many people? I can't imagine how any of them feel, especially those like Finn who've been here for so long.

Corporate greed sucks 😕.

redlink1979 · July 6

spartaxoxo wrote: »

https://bsky.app/profile/thefinninator.bsky.social/post/3mpyccvc2e22r
Actually looks like he has addressed the community directly. I hope this is okay to post since it impacts ESO and he addressed us publicly. If not please delete the link.

If the link shouldn't be shared here's what Finn wrote:

"Hey folks, I have been impacted by these layoffs. For nearly 15 years ZOS has been my home. I have had a hand in every dungeon/arena/trial/event zone/challenge difficulty/etc. in my time here but my best accomplishment is mentoring these kickass designers that delivered so much joy to folks."

BardokRedSnow · July 6

Yep this is pretty much my last MMO unless something major changes for the gaming industry. Dont have the energy to commit years to another. Would hate to see it die because of Microsoft mismanagement

tomofhyrule · July 6

I have played ESO pretty well daily since 2019. This really hurts to see.

I honestly don't know how ESO will be able to survive after this. Finn's team was always putting out the best content hands-down, so without that...?

I wanted to see the refreshes finish. I wanted to see new Classes. But now, I doubt we'll see anything new again.

It was fun. I'll miss the team.

And [snip] AI.

allmyxlvntx · July 6

Sad days indeed for the people at ZoS - some long time employees as well. Have played ESO since Summerset days and will continue until the end if it comes to that. Have tried New World (no, and now gone), Dune (meh still interested but not compelling), GW2 (needs another big time commitment) - always back to ESO. Seems weird that Microsoft frames an xBox restructure and then lets content teams go. Billions in profits for Microsoft, big tax cuts and credits over the last two years BUT still a cost reduction on the gaming side. Someone looking for another big bonus. All the best to the group of people who were let go; and thank you. Here supporting the group who is still here. Please continue with ESO

tsaescishoeshiner · July 6

I wish it had been possible to have a new tentative roadmap prepared to release with this news. It would help people know what to expect and understand what is and isn't being promised going forward. Without it, there aren't really facts or evidence to show people who are assuming the worst before we get an update.

baratron · July 7

They were already in the middle of rejigging the roadmap from the news that the Warden refresh was taking longer than they hoped, so the next PTS was being put back a few weeks. That was before half of the relevant Devs got laid off.

Everyone is upset about Gina Bruno being laid off because she's been the "face" of the game as one of the official stream runners for so long - and rightly so. But I'm truly bummed out about the creatives who have been let go: Mike Finnegan, Bill Slavicsek, Carrie Day, Ed Stark, other writers and developers. Those are the people needed to create new content for the game. Don't try to tell me that Microsoft thinks that generative AI can replace the decades of experience that Bill has from his work, first with TSR/Wizards of the Coast, and then with ESO.

StackonClown · July 7

I hoped this day would not come soon, but Im scared i'll miss all the amazing locations in Tamriel - Im staring to record my sessions and take screen shots now ..

:'(