Bethesda Game Studios was hit during the recent round of XBOX-based layoffs that impacted a whopping 1,600 employees, and sadly, this is just the beginning. In a few months, another 1,600 workers will lose their jobs, all in the name of making XBOX more sustainable and profitable.
In a recent report, several Bethesda employees voiced their concerns about the company’s slate of games, with some suggesting that The Elder Scrolls 6 could face delays as contractors replace full-time employees. Unfortunately, it was also suggested that Fallout 76 could be impacted by the layoffs in a rather drastic way.
Fallout 76 Could Face Nuclear Prospects
Before diving into this story, it’s worth highlighting that this discussion is based on the comments of one unnamed developer at Bethesda Game Studios who spoke to IGN for a recent report, but it’s indicative of the wider concerns at the company.
I caught up with Bethesda’s Jon Rush and Bill LaCoste to talk about Fallout 76 at Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles, and they were brimming with excitement at the future of the game, which also speaks volumes.
IGN obtained anonymous statements from multiple developers at Bethesda Game Studios, including one who was extremely concerned about the future of Fallout 76, the post-apocalyptic MMORPG that was released in 2018.
They said:
It seems like the company wants to make up the loss in talent with outsourcers.
I’ve heard from my colleagues that they’re already being asked to train new contractors. I have no idea how they’ll continue updating Fallout 76 without hiring an external studio.
This suggests that the Fallout 76 team was hit by layoffs especially hard, and for major updates to continue, they may need to rely on an external studio.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time they’ve done that. In 2023, I sat down with Double Eleven to learn about their partnership with Bethesda Game Studios, helping the team out with sizeable patches.
Fallout 76’s developers have stressed they have plans for ‘years’ worth of content, but that was a quote I secured months before the layoffs struck the company, so it’s hard to say where things are at now.
- RELATED: Latest on Fallout 76 Crossplay
I’ve reached out to those I know at the firm to get a better handle on this situation and will keep you updated.
Let me know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you’re still playing Fallout 76.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Elder Scrolls 6 could be delayed, and for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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