ZeniMax Online head Joseph Burba is among over 200 staff laid off at the Elder Scrolls Online studio last week as part of Xbox’s recent round of mass layoffs. Burba has been with the studio for 14 years, and has worked on The Elder Scrolls Online since its 2014 launch. He was promoted to studio lead in July last year.
The news comes via Game File, who obtained a list of roles impacted by Microsoft’s recent purge from the state of Maryland, where both ZeniMax Online Studios and its parent company, ZeniMax Media Inc, are based. In addition to Burba, ESO executive producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz have all lost their roles.
According to documents seen by Game File, all four will remain at the studio for “the next few months” to help transition a new leadership team, which will consist of ESO game lead Nick Giacomini, and business operations lead Josh Henderson.
“We have tremendous confidence in Josh and Nick, the future of this studio, and the continued growth of ESO,” an internal memo penned by the outgoing leadership read. “With exciting experiences still ahead for our players as we wrap up work for Update 51 and beyond, we believe that your passion, creativity, and commitment to each other and the community will continue serving as the heartbeat of ESO.”