Elder Scrolls Online Shifts to Smaller Seasons, Unrelated to Microsoft Layoffs

The Elder Scrolls Online developer, Zenimax Online Studios, has clarified that the recent transition to smaller seasonal expansions is not a direct response to Microsoft's layoffs and team downsizing. In a recent interview, executive producer Susan Kath emphasized that the decision to adopt a seasonal model was made at least 12 to 14 months ago, with the team already working towards this goal. Kath explained that the team had begun making adjustments to focus on this new direction, and some staff members who were previously split between projects are now dedicated 100% to Elder Scrolls Online. While acknowledging the impact of the layoffs, the team remains optimistic about the future and the changes being made. This development comes after the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a long-in-development MMO, and the departure of studio president Matt Firor, who had been working on the project.