Update: Zenimax has issued a statement to GameInformer, saying substantially fewer employees were laid off months ago, adding that they're working with an Irish government agency, the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), to help those affected.
“Following the successful console launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited in June, we have a thriving console and PC online community,” a Zenimax representative commented. “We adjusted customer support levels in mid-August by reducing staffing by approximately 50 people to reflect the game’s stability and the needs of our players. This is a normal practice. We have been diligently working with the IDA, and the employees affected by this decision since the summer. We are disappointed by the inaccuracies in the report of the Connacht Tribune.”
Original Story: Zenimax Online Studios has reportedly closed its European customer service center for The Elder Scrolls Online in Galway, Ireland, with the loss of 300 jobs.
The Connacht Tribune says that only five or six staff remain at the office. Neither Bethesda or Zenimax have commented on the reports.
News of the Galway office closure follows closely after the announcement of a $1 million prize draw as Zenimax and Bethesda strive to attract new players to the MMO. Those who registered and played the game were entered into the draw, including those who took part during a free weekend on PC and Xbox One. Discounts were also available during the weekend.
The Elder Scrolls Online was developed by Zenimax Online Studios in Hunt Valley, not too far from Bethesda Game Studios, where the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls games are made. There's another Zenimax Online Media studio in Austin, Texas.
Earlier this year, ahead of the game's console launch, the MMO's subscription model was dropped. There is an unfront fee and microtransactions, however.
It's likely Zenimax is switching to an automated customer service system.
