Ex-ZeniMax Employees Launch New Game Studio, Ironroot Games, Following “Inhumane” Layoffs

The Rise of Ironroot Games: A Response to Industry Layoffs

In a challenging year for the gaming industry, Microsoft made the difficult decision to lay off over 9, 000 employees across its various divisions, including its gaming sector. Notable impacts were felt at studios like The Initiative, which was completely shut down. Other companies such as ZeniMax Online, King, and Rare also faced significant cuts and project cancellations. The sentiment among many affected workers, including those from ZeniMax, echoed the words “inhumane”and “disgusting.”However, from the ashes of these layoffs, a new hope has emerged in the form of Ironroot Games.

A New Beginning for Former ZeniMax Online Developers

Ironroot Games stands as a testament to resilience, being the second studio formed specifically from former ZeniMax Online employees, following the establishment of Sackbird Studios in October 2025. This new venture was announced in an enlightening interview with GamesIndustry. Biz. In his discussion, Quentin Cobb, the studio’s CEO and creative director, shared his ongoing struggle to process the abrupt layoffs at ZeniMax Online, where he served as the principal gameplay designer.

Reflecting on the Trauma of Layoffs

Cobb described the layoffs as “traumatic, ”particularly comparing it to the cancellation of Project Blackbird. He reflected on the emotional toll of such sudden changes, saying, “I thought it was going well… It was a shock, and, to be honest, extremely traumatic.”He further stressed how many people continue to deal with the fallout from those layoffs, underlining that being blindsided was an understatement.

Building an Inclusive Studio Culture

In light of their experiences, Cobb and co-founder Elaine Gómez, who serves as the principal gameplay designer and culture leader at Ironroot Games, are committed to fostering a more positive working environment. While Gómez comes from a different background, having faced a “traumatizing”layoff at the previously backed NetEase studio Worlds Untold, she resonates with Cobb’s sentiments about the unpredictability of layoffs.

“We didn’t see it coming, ”Gómez recounted, referring to the shock her team experienced right before Thanksgiving 2024 when they were informed of the funding cuts despite previous assurances. This compelling narrative highlights the precarious nature of job security in the gaming industry.

Prioritizing Transparency and Fairness

As they lay the groundwork for Ironroot Games, Cobb and Gómez aim to ensure a developer-owned and “people-first”studio ethos. Gomez remarked, “You’re not just a cog in a machine, ”underscoring their collective commitment to employee welfare. Cobb further emphasized the need for transparent revenue-sharing practices, stating, “I really feel very strongly that the people who make the game should earn the money that the game makes, period.”

The Future of Ironroot Games

While specific details about their upcoming project remain under wraps, Cobb hinted at a personal narrative driven experience, albeit on a smaller budget.“I’m dying to talk about it, ”he shared, indicating that the creative process is still in its infancy but holds great potential.

A Promising Path Forward

The journey ahead may be gradual, with the team operating with part-time commitments initially. Nevertheless, the emergence of studios like Ironroot Games and Sackbird Studios signifies a positive shift, providing hope for the gaming industry’s future amidst widespread layoffs. As they carve their own paths, these new ventures reflect the resilience and creativity of the developers behind them.

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