# The Elder Scrolls Online is struggling with “team bandwidth” after Xbox layoffs hit Bethesda and ZeniMax, leading devs to limit a store for in-game items

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-struggling-with-team-bandwidth-after-xbox-layoffs-hit-bethesda-and-zenimax-leading-devs-to-limit-a-store-for-in-game-items/
- Published: 2026-07-22T16:47:28+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-22T17:06:56+00:00
- Original publisher: GamesRadar+
- Original article: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/the-elder-scrolls/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-struggling-with-team-bandwidth-after-xbox-layoffs-hit-bethesda-and-zenimax-leading-devs-to-limit-a-store-for-in-game-items/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming, Music

## Key points

- Xbox layoffs at Bethesda and ZeniMax reduced The Elder Scrolls Online's development team
- ESO devs removing the web-based Crown Store to manage reduced workload capacity
- Players must now purchase in-game cosmetics directly in-game rather than via the website

## Summary

Microsoft's recent restructuring of its gaming division resulted in significant workforce reductions at Bethesda and ZeniMax, leaving The Elder Scrolls Online with a substantially smaller development team than previously staffed. The MMO was among multiple projects affected by the broader organisational changes across Xbox's studios.

With fewer resources available, ESO developers announced operational adjustments to reduce team burden. Effective 22 July, the web-based Crown Store on the official website has been removed, requiring players to log into the game client to view and purchase cosmetic items. The development team cited bandwidth constraints as the reason for consolidating store functionality and limiting how in-game merchandise is presented and maintained.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.