Xbox and Bethesda's parent leadership praised the "remarkable" success of the Fallout and Elder Scrolls franchises, and teased future instalments, at the same time as reports emerged of significant layoffs at Bethesda. A union representing games industry workers has warned fans and press not to let excitement over Fallout 5 or Elder Scrolls 6 news distract from the human cost of the job cuts, arguing that corporate messaging around franchise achievements is being used to soften or divert attention from the layoffs.

The criticism follows a pattern seen across the games industry, where studios tout record sales, awards or anniversaries for beloved series shortly after or alongside workforce reductions. The union's statement frames this as a deliberate tactic, urging the community to keep focus on the affected workers rather than on upcoming game announcements, even as Xbox's CEO publicly celebrated the franchises' legacy.