Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online launches seasonal content after mass layoffs

For the first time, The Elder Scrolls Online has introduced seasonal content: the inaugural Return of the Thieves Guild season. The launch, however, has been overshadowed by recent mass layoffs at Xbox that hit ZeniMax Online Studios hard. The MMO, which has reportedly generated over $2 billion in its lifetime, saw 213 employees cut this week; combined with previous reductions over the last year, the studio has lost more than half of the TESO development team. Discussion of the new season has been limited as players send support to affected staff and criticize Microsoft. "Surprised there was anyone left to post this," one commenter wrote in response to the Steam announcement. "So sorry for you guys. Hope you can keep the game going. Or better yet, find independence from MS." "Heartbroken for all the developers who were laid off," another said. "Wishing the best for everyone. ♥️Hopefully this vicious cycle will end one day" "ESO has wonderful, passionate developers behind it and to lose them breaks my heart!" another added. "To all those who got laid off, thanks for all the content you gave us, 5000 hours and counting," read a further comment.