Microsoft's Acquisition of Bethesda Leads to Yearly Layoffs and Erosion of Institutional Knowledge

Bethesda Game Studios artist Alex Nguyen spoke out about the impact of Microsoft's acquisition on the studio, citing yearly layoffs and erosion of institutional knowledge.

Nguyen participated in the Save Our Devs rally with the Communications Workers of America and the Bethesda Game Studios OneBGS union to call attention to layoffs and corporate greed across the industry.

In an interview with Kotaku, Nguyen stated that before Microsoft's acquisition, Zenimax and Bethesda studios did not have yearly layoffs. However, since then, teams have felt the effects of cuts which have eroded institutional knowledge.

Nguyen noted that fixer-uppers like Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online do not get a chance to bloom into successful fan favorites without sufficient labor and time. He also mentioned that there used to be a shared sense of long-term commitment among the staff, but this is being smothered by Microsoft's corporate tactics.

Nguyen recalled how employees would have long tenures at Zenimax and Bethesda studios because they felt committed to the company and wanted to stay in the industry for a long time. This was one of the benefits of working at these studios, but it is now being disrupted by Microsoft's approach.