here we go again - ahri's unqualified thoughts #82

May 07, 2024

In today's discussion, we talk about Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs with Bethesda.

Let me preface it: fuck this.

As a reminder:

In September 2020, Microsoft announced the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion.
Countless times, Phil Spencer and his lieutenants have mentioned how talented and important their staff is to them.
Countless times, they have mentioned how much freedom they want to give to the teams.

Now? They cut off tons of studios, and I fear that this is far from over with the addition of ABK.

“What is better - to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?” - Paarthurnax, The Elder Scrolls V - Skyrim

Very fitting quote, from a BETHESDA game.

This heartfelt post from the Studio/Co-Creative Director at Arkane Lyon hits hard. I won’t say much, except: read it.

I’ll also put a tweet from myself:

TLDR:

One of the top executives was tweeting positively about Bethesda late into the night, ignoring the events. Those tweets were later deleted.
While employees were sent packing the main Xbox account and blog were busy announcing and hyping up new dogshit controllers—a questionable choice of timing. As a general rule, it's mandatory to place an embargo on most communications during such times, out of respect and tact.
Matt Booty inaccurately named not one, but two studios in his email, which you can read below.

I invite you to read IGN’s summary of the situation.

Ahri's unqualified thoughts