XBOX CEO was in town to visit Bethesda Game Studios for a look at the much-anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6. However, much of the talk was about union members protesting the XBOX layoffs, encapsulated by a literal giant rat.
On Tuesday, August 12, XBOX CEO Asha Sharma visited Bethesda‘s headquarters. There was probably a good conversation or two here or there, but the CEO was also there for a ‘live playthrough’ of the new Elder Scrolls game.
Interestingly, she teased the name for TES6 as well. In response to her visit, union members and protestors made their feelings clear.
Scabby the Rat Literally Overshadows Asha Sharma XBOX Bethesda Trip
Word quickly spread on social media that whilst Asha Sharma was seeing TES6 for the first time in person, CWA union members were busy plotting, presumably with knowledge of her impending appearance.
They presented what looks like a 30-50 ft inflatable rat, a common form of protest used by unions, in clear view of the offices that could be seen for miles around.
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Not only this, but grassy patches were filled with small red flags, with each one symbolizing someone affected by the July 2026 XBOX layoffs, which saw thousands of employees lose their jobs.
Additionally, Bethesda’s offices had posters up, also protesting the layoffs.
The announcements have carried on, with id Software’s Chris Hays saying morale has never been lower.
It’s unlikely XBOX will reverse many (if any) of the layoffs, but this won’t stop the protests from coming.
Do you think this will be the start of more protests? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
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Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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