ZeniMax Developers React to Microsoft's Dismissive Layoff Process
Gaming Industry/News

ZeniMax Developers React to Microsoft's Dismissive Layoff Process

Former ZeniMax Online Studios employees express discontent over Microsoft's handling of layoffs, feeling undervalued and disrespected.

The gaming industry continues to face turmoil as layoffs have become increasingly commonplace, and the recent turn of events at ZeniMax Online Studios has only added to the discontent. Following Microsoft’s substantial job cuts across various divisions—including over 9,000 layoffs—ZeniMax employees have voiced their frustrations regarding the impersonal approach taken during the layoffs.

One anonymous employee noted, “No Slack, email, nothing is working. We have an off-work Discord, but it’s all people freaking out with no real verifiable info.” Another likened the experience to being “run over by a truck.” Meanwhile, union member Autumn Mitchell stated that individuals with years of experience were dismissed without the chance to say goodbye to coworkers, a practice they described as “disgusting.”

Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft, is at the helm of these drastic changes. Employees like Page Branson express feelings of anger and disappointment, labeling Microsoft’s actions as a profound breach of trust. “We just ratified our first contract… but now a third of us aren’t going to see this thing in action,” Mitchell said, emphasizing the abrupt disruption caused by these layoffs.

The mood among developers remains grim as they adapt to the stark reality that the studio they trusted to cultivate creativity now feels more like a hollow shell.

In the wake of these layoffs, industry insiders are left pondering the long-term impact on company cultures and whether necessary changes will be made to prevent such occurrences in the future.

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