Elder Scrolls Online’s Microsoft-induced ‘capacity’ issues bring an end to the web version of its cash shop

ZeniMax Online Studios has officially removed the Web Crown Store from the official Elder Scrolls Online website as part of operational adjustments following recent mass layoffs across Microsoft and Xbox. The change went into effect on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as remaining staff navigate reduced internal bandwidth.

Reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun confirms that the removal of the web-based store directly reflects the team's need to manage workload during a transitional period for the studio.

Store Changes and Purchasing Availability

While the web version of the storefront is no longer active, players still retain options for purchasing currency and accessing items. Users can continue to acquire Crowns directly through the official website, and the primary in-game Crown Store remains fully operational and unaffected by this decision.

Addressing the change, ZeniMax Community Manager Kevin Gbolie explained the team's priority to reallocate staff capacity: "To help manage workload, we have decided to remove the Web Crown Store from the official elderscrollsonline.com website on Wednesday, July 22nd. The ability to acquire crowns via the website will remain..."

Impact of Xbox Staff Reductions

Coverage by PC Gamer and MassivelyOP notes that The Elder Scrolls Online is among the titles adjusting to the immediate fallout of Microsoft's broader gaming layoffs. Trimming secondary platforms like the browser-based storefront allows ZeniMax to focus its remaining team resources on core game maintenance and primary storefront features.

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• MassivelyOP
• Rock Paper Shotgun
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