ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs

Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios were caught up in last week's Xbox layoffs, including studio head Joseph Burba.

ESO producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz were also laid off, according to a WARN letter sent to Maryland officials and obtained by Game File.

The letter states that former head of business operations Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working with game director Nick Giacomini.

The leadership transition is expected to occur over the next few months", with the current senior team "remaining in place during the transition period to help ensure a smooth handoff."

"We have tremendous confidence in Josh and Nick, the future of this studio, and the continued growth of ESO," the outgoing leadership said in a note to employees.

"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."

Additional senior positions at ZSO were impacted, including studio operations director, studio audio director, studio art manager, vice president and controller, and vice president of global sales and business development.

Game File noted it could not confirm that all these roles were from ZeniMax Online Studios, as the list of affected positions also includes Bethesda Game Studios and its central publishing office.

In total, 213 positions were eliminated at ZeniMax Online Studios, including 166 at ZeniMax Media.

An earlier report from Kotaku described the cuts at ZOS as "brutal," suggesting that up to half of the development team may be affected.

During a previous round of layoffs last year, ZOS founder Matt Firor left the company after Microsoft cancelled Project Blackbird.