ZeniMax Employees Criticize Microsoft for “Inhumane” and “Disgusting” Mass Layoff Practices

Microsoft’s 2023 Layoffs: Impact on the Gaming Community

The video game industry faced significant upheaval in July 2023, as Microsoft announced a staggering layoff impacting over 9, 000 employees. A substantial portion of these reductions affected the Xbox and gaming division, leaving many studios, including The Initiative, ZeniMax Online, Rare, and King, grappling with the repercussions.

Internal Reactions to the Layoffs

In a revealing interview with Game Developer, several ZeniMax Media employees shared their grievances regarding how the layoffs were executed. Current and former staff criticized Microsoft and Xbox’s leadership for what they termed an “inhumane”and “disgusting”approach to mass job cuts, highlighting the chaos and emotional turmoil caused by the firm’s handling of the situation.

Poor Communication and Lack of Support

One impacted developer recounted their abrupt removal from work platforms without any prior warning, leaving them in a state of uncertainty for hours. Page Branson, a member of the ZWU-CWA union, emphasized the absence of a structured layoff process, which left many employees “distraught and confused”about their job security.

The Loss of Essential Talent

As employees began to comprehend the scope of the layoffs, Branson noted that crucial personnel, especially those vital to The Elder Scrolls Online, were let go. Autumn Mitchell, a senior QA developer and fellow union member, echoed these sentiments, stating, “It’s not okay. The way they do it is inhumane. I don’t care how they justify it.”She lamented the situation that forced long-term employees to hurriedly write farewell messages to colleagues they had collaborated with for years.

The Vanishing Institutional Knowledge

Branson highlighted a critical concern regarding the loss of institutional knowledge: “Much of the practical expertise just vanished overnight.”With many skilled individuals no longer present, the remaining staff now faces significant challenges in maintaining productivity and morale.“The dwindling morale and confusion have extended into our workflow, ”he added, emphasizing the importance of experienced team members in ensuring operational efficiency.

Mitchell estimated that one-third of ZeniMax Media’s institutional knowledge has been lost, questioning how the remaining team members are expected to continue producing high-quality games without the knowledge and mentorship of those who were laid off.

The Broader Implications for Microsoft

The stories emerging from these layoffs paint a disheartening picture, underscoring the pain for affected developers and the frustration directed at Microsoft and Xbox leadership for their perceived negligence. While reducing the workforce may provide short-term financial relief, the long-term consequences, including a deficit of experiential knowledge and effective training for newcomers, could hinder the gaming division’s future.

These drastic layoffs and the manner in which they were executed raise serious questions about Microsoft’s viable future in the gaming industry. If the company continues to prioritize trends at the cost of its workforce, potential partners and employees may begin to reconsider their trust in Microsoft’s commitment to the gaming community.

Source & Images