ESO developer says game stays, pushes 2026 features to 2027

The developer of The Elder Scrolls Online has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-running MMORPG while announcing significant delays to its content roadmap following recent layoffs at parent company Microsoft. In a community update posted on July 30, ZeniMax Online Studios game director Nick Giacomini stated the game is "here to stay," but confirmed that several major features originally planned for 2026 have been pushed into 2027.

The delays are a direct result of organizational changes at the studio, which was impacted by a wave of layoffs across Microsoft's Xbox division earlier this year. Giacomini acknowledged the departure of teammates and said the studio is evolving. To ensure quality, the team is giving itself more time to re-establish development pipelines rather than rushing to meet previous deadlines.

Specifically, three major features have been moved to 2027. These include a new endgame trial called Crimson Veldt, a comprehensive Class and Combat refresh long requested by players, and Update 52. That update will introduce a new player-versus-player zone and dynamic encounters in Skyrim, and is now scheduled for January 2027.

Content for the remainder of 2026 will...