Rockville video game studio to cut 166 jobs

July 10, 2026 - 19:27

The video game publisher Zenimax Media, known for award-winning titles, is eliminating 166 positions at its Rockville studio. The layoffs are set to take effect in September, according to a notice filed with state officials.

The cuts will impact a range of roles at the Maryland location, which serves as a hub for the company's publishing and administrative operations. Zenimax, which owns studios like Bethesda Softworks, has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the reduction. However, the move follows a broader trend of downsizing across the gaming industry, where companies have been restructuring to cut costs after a period of rapid expansion.

Employees affected by the layoffs were notified recently, and the company is expected to provide severance packages and outplacement services. The news adds to a wave of job losses in the sector this year, with several major studios trimming their workforces. For the Rockville area, the loss of over 160 positions marks a significant blow to the local tech and creative economy. Zenimax has not indicated whether further cuts are planned at other locations.