Elder Scrolls Online Gamescom 2025 Q&A: ZeniMax Online Studios Discusses Leadership Transition, Sustaining 30 Years of Gameplay, and Recent Controversies

The Evolving Landscape of The Elder Scrolls Online: Leadership Changes and Future Directions

The team behind The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is currently navigating a significant phase of transformation. Earlier this year, ZeniMax Online Studios revealed a new strategy for rolling out content for the longstanding MMORPG, shifting from traditional expansions, known as Chapters, to a more dynamic seasonal model. This transition began with the launch of the “Season of the Worm Cult” in June, marking a new era in ESO’s development.

Changes in Leadership: A New Era at ZeniMax Online Studios

Amidst this content shift, the studio has also seen changes in its leadership structure. With founder Matt Firor stepping down, Jo Burba has taken on the role of Studio Director. Rich Lambert, who led ESO as Game Director, has transitioned to a new position as Studio Game Director. Nick Giacomini, formerly a Senior Product Manager, has been appointed as the new Game Director. I had the opportunity to discuss these developments, along with the current state of the game and the cancellation of an unannounced project, with both Rich and Nick during Gamescom 2025.

Insights from Studio Game Director Rich Lambert

Rich Lambert: “There’s lots of change in the air. I am moving up a role, so I am going to focus more on studio-level things, and Nick is coming in and taking over the game direction. It’s something that I’m really excited about.”

Rich shared his excitement about stepping into a new role that will allow him to concentrate on broader studio initiatives, while still collaborating closely with Nick, who is committed to the day-to-day management of ESO.

Nick Giacomini: A Passionate Gamer Stepping into Leadership

Nick Giacomini: “I’m a huge gamer, have been my entire life. MMOs are my favorite genre by far. I’ve been playing Elder Scrolls Online since day one.”

Nick expressed his enthusiasm about taking up the helm as Game Director, emphasizing the importance of the community in shaping the game’s future. He highlighted the studio’s commitment to improving communication and transparency with players, reiterating that player feedback is critical in decision-making processes.

Embracing Community Feedback and Evolving Expectations

Nick Giacomini: “We must do right by them and provide the experiences and stories that make ESO great.”

Both leaders acknowledged that expectations around the game have evolved over the last decade. Players have voiced concerns about predictability in content, prompting the team to strive for excitement and innovation in their offerings. Nick stated, “I’m a strong believer that every second players spend in Elder Scrolls Online should be valuable and rewarding.”

Transition to a Seasonal Model: Initial Reactions and Future Prospects

The transition to a seasonal model is anticipated to provide players with a more varied and engaging experience, compared to the previous Chapter model. Rich commented on the challenges posed during this transitional phase, acknowledging that, while some players may initially find it confusing, the long-term benefits will become evident as more new content and features unfold. The studio is dedicated to refining the player experience, focusing on iterative improvements and novel events.

Looking Ahead: System-Driven Updates and Community Engagement

Rich Lambert: “With the focus on systemic updates, we have more opportunities for replayability.”

The shift towards smaller, agile teams allows the development process to be more responsive to player needs, a strategy that enhances replayability and keeps content fresh. Rich explained how this flexibility contrasts with the lengthy development cycles of Chapter releases, enabling faster iterations based on player feedback.

Future Content: Enhancements and New Features

As developments continue, players can expect enhancements to existing systems, such as the Infinite Archive and Scribing. Implementing community-driven feedback remains central to their strategy, ensuring improvements that enhance playability and enjoyment.

Subclassing and Player Creativity

The introduction of subclassing in Elder Scrolls Online has opened up new avenues for character customization. While there are discussions regarding balance and viability across different builds, both Rich and Nick reaffirmed their commitment to fostering creative play while addressing community concerns surrounding the meta.

Rich Lambert: “There’s nothing in the game that requires you to have that level of optimization.”

The Road Ahead for ESO

The team is focused on ensuring that Elder Scrolls Online remains engaging and vibrant for its player base, despite challenges stemming from the loss of colleagues during the restructuring. Both Rich and Nick are determined to make ESO the best it can be, emphasizing ongoing commitment and transparency with the community.

Thank you for your time.

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