Major Layoffs Hit ZeniMax: A Closer Look at the Fallout
In some pretty alarming news from the gaming world, ZeniMax Online Studios, known for the hugely popular Elder Scrolls Online, is facing massive layoffs. A recent WARN Act notice reveals that a total of 379 employees from ZeniMax Online and its parent company, ZeniMax Media, have been let go. This includes 213 employees from the online studio alone and 166 from ZeniMax Media.
Interestingly, there’s no separate WARN notice for Bethesda Game Studios, which suggests that the layoffs at ZeniMax Media also affect some folks at Bethesda, as both companies share an office location. Adding to the confusion, 136 layoffs from id Software were mentioned under a different WARN notice in Texas, indicating that the situation is a bit tangled.
The situation at ZeniMax Online is particularly concerning. Reports from within the studio indicate that they’ve lost around 275 employees just between July 2025 and 2026. A union representing the ZeniMax Online staff had about 461 members at the end of 2024, primarily based in Rockville, but some were distributed across the country. Fast forward to today, and it seems that the studio’s workforce has dwindled to just 186 people, which is a staggering 40% reduction in just a year and a half.
In a recent post on Twitter, a user showcased an updated LinkedIn entry from Gary Boodhoo, the former UX lead for Elder Scrolls Online, which stated that the game was generating a whopping $15 (approx. Rs 4,170) million in monthly revenue for over a decade. With numbers like that, it raises eyebrows as to why such drastic layoffs were necessary. You’d think a team like that would be supported rather than downsized!
As fans of gaming, it’s tough to watch studios, especially ones behind beloved titles, go through such difficult times. Let’s hope for the best for the talented folks affected by these layoffs and the future of ZeniMax Online.
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.