Microsoft canceled a game being developed by The Elder Scrolls Online creator ZeniMax Online Studios in 2025, and studio head Matt Firor subsequently left the company as a result.
He explained on LinkedIn that the simplest reason for his departure from the studio is likely the truth.
He described the game, previously known as Project Blackbird, as a lifelong dream, and explained that its cancellation was the reason he left the company.
He expressed his deep concern for the affected team members, many of whom he’d collaborated with for over 20 years. He described them as a remarkably skilled and dedicated group of developers – truly the best in the field.
Firor didn’t share any details about Project Blackbird. According to a report, the game had been in development since 2018 and was potentially a blend of the styles seen in Cyberpunk 2077 and Destiny.
After the game was cancelled and people lost their jobs at the studio, several former employees decided to start their own companies, one of which was the worker-owned Sackbird Studios.
CEO Lee Ridout explained that the new studio was formed because they wanted the ability to take creative chances quickly, without needing approval or being pressured by short-term financial goals, after spending years working on AAA games.
After more than 18 years at ZeniMax, Firor is now offering advice to various projects and start-ups, as he shared on LinkedIn. He’s also made some investments in smaller development teams. While some speculate he might found a new studio, Firor says he hasn’t seriously considered that option yet.
Project Blackbird was canceled as Xbox reduced its spending. Other projects affected included Rare’s Everwild and the upcoming Perfect Dark, developed by The Initiative, which has since been shut down.
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2026-01-05 23:40