- Xbox’s recently cancelled games included a brand new MMORPG from ZeniMax Online Studios.
- Developers from the ZeniMax Online Studios union criticized Microsoft and Xbox for this cancellation.
- They also believe that even more layoffs might be inevitable, but the union can help soften the blow should this happen in the future.
Xbox’s recent layoffs led to the cancellations of multiple big projects, including Perfect Dark and Zenimax Online Studios’ unannounced MMO. On the subject of the latter, it was said that Phil Spencer had played the game months ahead of the announcement.
The Xbox boss reportedly liked the game a lot, but this did not save the project. Following these events, the ZeniMax Online Studios union has issued an official statement lamenting the loss of its latest project.
Why it matters: Xbox has become synonymous with layoffs and cancellations, creating a tense environment within the company, with many developers being unhappy with the management’s decision.
Pointing to the unannounced game, the union referred to this cancelled project as an ‘amazing game’ that fans of the studio will never get to experience.
The statement also discussed the aftermath of the scenario, stating that a future has been stolen from many of the developers. Fortunately, this particular studio has not been hit hard by layoffs.
Unlike teams like Halo Studios and Turn 10, which reportedly faced mass job cuts recently, ZeniMax Online Studios continues to operate at full capacity. This may be partly due to the studio’s impressive work on The Elder Scrolls Online in recent years, but the union did note that layoffs in the future are inevitable.
A future has been stolen from many of us and our community will never experience an amazing game.
-ZeniMax Online Studios Union
Adding to the discontent regarding the layoffs, Xbox was recently spotted using an AI image to hire a graphic designer. Such moves mean that the ZeniMax Online Studios union will prove crucial in safeguarding worker rights in the future.
Microsoft is already heavily invested in AI, and this technology poses a major threat to workers around the globe. Therefore, more unions attempting to safeguard rights could also be formed within the company moving forward.
What do you think about ZeniMax Online Studios’ statement? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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