The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor, who helped launch ZeniMax Online Studios in 2007, is leaving the company

andy.chalk@pcgamer.com (Andy Chalk)
2025-07-02 16:16:00
www.pcgamer.com

Matt Firor, president of ZeniMax Online Studios and game director of The Elder Scrolls Online, has announced that he is leaving the company.

“After more than 18 years leading ZeniMax Online Studios, I’ll be stepping away later this month,” says a message attributed to Firor on the official TESO X account. “The studio and The Elder Scrolls Online will be in great hands under the direction of new Studio Head Jo Burba, along with Executive Producer Susan Kath and Game Director Rich Lambert.

“Together, this leadership team has spearheaded many of ESO’s biggest ideas and expansions and will continue to make this game something we’re all proud of. While I won’t be working on the game anymore, I will be cheering you on and adding to the thousands of hours I’ve already spent in-game. There are many more stories to be told, adventures to be had, and I know this amazing community will carry that shared legacy and success forwards.”

Firor has been at the head of ZeniMax Online since it was founded in 2007. Prior to that, Firor was a co-founder of MMO studio Mythic, where he spent 10 years as producer on Dark Age of Camelot. He’s held the position of The Elder Scrolls Online since it launched in 2014, shepherding it from a rough launch in 2014 to ongoing success as one of the best MMOs on PC today.

Firor’s departure comes just hours after Microsoft announced the layoff of roughly 9,000 employees company wide, which includes deep cuts to numerous Xbox game studios and the closure of The Initiative, the studio that was working on the now-cancelled Perfect Dark reboot, as well as the cancellation of Rare’s Everwild project. An all-new MMO in development at ZeniMax Online Studios, which has been in the works since 2018, was also cancelled today, and an unknown number of studio employees have been let go.

Please read this update from ZOS president, Matt Firor.

(Image credit: ZeniMax Online Studios (Twitter))

A justification for this latest round of awfulness hasn’t been provided, and in fact Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in an incredibly ill-conceived memo to employees today that “we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before,” and that “our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger.”

It’s worth noting, however, that Microsoft president Brad Smith said in January that the company was aiming to spend $80 billion “to build out AI-enabled datacenters to train AI models and deploy AI” in its 2025 fiscal year, and that money has to come from somewhere.

Source Link

Take your gaming to the next level! The Redragon S101 RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers incredible value. This all-in-one PC Gamer Value Kit includes a Programmable Backlit Gaming Mouse, perfect for competitive gaming or casual use.

With 46,015 ratings, an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and over 4K+ bought in the past month, this kit is trusted by gamers everywhere! Available now for just $39.99 on Amazon. Plus, act fast and snag an exclusive 15% off coupon – but hurry, this offer won’t last long!

Score this incredible deal now!

Unlock unlimited streaming with a free Amazon Prime trial!
Sign up today!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!

BITCOIN

Bitcoin Logo