Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios has been affected by the recent round of layoffs at Xbox

Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios experienced significant changes last week due to Xbox's decision to reduce its workforce. Among those affected was the studio's head, Joseph Burba.

Other prominent figures who were laid off include ESO producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz. This information was revealed through a WARN letter sent to Maryland state officials and reported by Game File.

Josh Henderson, previously the head of business operations, is set to take over as the new studio head. He will work alongside game director Nick Giacomini. The leadership transition will be implemented over the coming months, with the current senior team staying on to ensure a seamless changeover.

In a message to the team, the outgoing leaders expressed their confidence in Josh and Nick's ability to lead the studio and continue the growth of ESO. They highlighted the exciting prospects ahead for players and praised the team's dedication and creativity.

The restructuring impacted other senior roles at ZeniMax Online Studios, such as studio operations director, studio audio director, studio art manager, vice president and controller, and vice president of global sales and business development.

Game File mentioned that it was unable to verify whether all these positions were only from ZeniMax Online Studios, as the affected roles may also include those at Bethesda Game Studios and its central publishing branch.

Overall, 213 jobs were cut at ZeniMax Online Studios, comprising 166 positions at ZeniMax Media. According to Kotaku, the layoffs were described as "brutal," and it was suggested that up to half of the development staff might be affected.

Last year's layoffs also saw the departure of ZOS founder Matt Firor following Microsoft's cancellation of Project Blackbird.