Bethesda is moving to a “franchise-centric” planning strategy to better focus resources on long-term growth and stability.
This change comes amid a broader restructuring at Xbox, announced yesterday, which will result in 3,200 job cuts, or 20% of the organisation’s workforce.
In an email to staff (via IGN), Bethesda CEO Jill Braff said the overall Xbox reset “reflects the realities of our industry and business” and that to ensure future success, Bethesda needs to “return to sustainable growth.”
“We are shifting from a planning model primarily centered on what’s next for each independent studio to one that focuses on our strongest franchises and determining the content roadmap that best serves our players and Bethesda as a whole,” said Braff.
“From there, we’ll align the right talent, technology, and resources across the organisation to deliver on those priorities.”
Braff concluded: “By working more closely across the organisation, sharing expertise and capabilities, and focusing on our investments and the opportunities with the greatest potential, we believe we can better support our franchises and IP with meaningful long-term potential.”
This strategic shift coincides with significant operational cuts. ZeniMax Online Studios is undergoing major downsizing, with reports indicating up to 50% of its workforce may be affected.
Arkane Lyon has begun consultation proceedings, while Bethesda Softworks and Id Software have also experienced unspecified job losses.
