Recent layoffs at Bethesda following Xbox's broader restructuring could impact the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. Developers speaking anonymously to IGN suggest the departures of programmers, artists, and designers will have a significant effect on the game's progress and studio morale.

Concerns are mounting about how remaining staff will manage the workload, with fears of reliance on cheaper contract labor or extended onboarding periods for new hires. This situation could lead to development delays or increased crunch time for the team, which was reportedly already operating leanly. The removal of a memorial for laid-off employees has further contributed to a low morale environment.

Adding to the complexity, reports indicate that developers from the Elder Scrolls Online team at ZeniMax might be reassigned to The Elder Scrolls 6, despite that studio also experiencing significant layoffs. While no release date has been set for The Elder Scrolls 6, these resource reductions raise questions about potential impacts on the game's quality or scope.