Under the codename Blackbird, a much-anticipated third-person MMO developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, has unfortunately been scrapped. This decision was made even though it was one of the most eagerly awaited games within Xbox.
In the summer of 2025, I found myself deeply saddened as Blackbird, my beloved gaming project, fell victim to the Xbox layoffs that were part of Microsoft’s ongoing restructuring within their gaming division. However, Blackbird wasn’t just any game on the verge of extinction; it was a cherished title among the Xbox leadership.
As per a report by Jason Schreier, during a studio visit, Xbox head Phil Spencer got engrossed in an early build of a game to such an extent that Xbox President Matt Booty had to request him to pause playing so they could proceed with their discussion.
Blackbird cancellation was a huge shock
As an avid gamer, I can’t help but be thrilled about Blackbird, an upcoming online looter-shooter that shares some DNA with the legendary Destiny. This game promises a unique blend of third-person combat, team-oriented advancement, and a fresh sci-fi setting. The developers at ZeniMax are targeting a 2028 release, having already invested years into its creation.
ZeniMax Online Studios, well-recognized for The Elder Scrolls Online, has significantly contributed to maintaining live-service content for Bethesda games such as Fallout 76. Their upcoming project, Blackbird, was intended to be their next significant leap – a new intellectual property with long-term multiplayer aspirations led by one of the industry’s most seasoned MMO teams.
The unexpected termination left everyone stunned within the studio. Upon this move, Matt Firor, the founder and lead game director of the studio, who played a crucial role in developing Elder Scrolls Online, promptly stepped down.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been keeping an eye on Blackbird, one of the highly anticipated titles that Microsoft has been promoting. But despite Xbox’s Phil Spencer’s best efforts and his obvious enthusiasm for it, Blackbird seems to be facing an uncertain future. Even though I really wanted to keep playing, it serves as a reminder that not even the most promising games are guaranteed to survive, regardless of the backing they receive from industry giants like Microsoft.
Read More
- Who Is Harley Wallace? The Heartbreaking Truth Behind Bring Her Back’s Dedication
- 50 Ankle Break & Score Sound ID Codes for Basketball Zero
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Here’s Why Your Nintendo Switch 2 Display Looks So Blurry
- Elden Ring Nightreign Enhanced Boss Arrives in Surprise Update
- How to play Delta Force Black Hawk Down campaign solo. Single player Explained
- 100 Most-Watched TV Series of 2024-25 Across Streaming, Broadcast and Cable: ‘Squid Game’ Leads This Season’s Rankers
- Jeremy Allen White Could Break 6-Year Oscars Streak With Bruce Springsteen Role
- MrBeast removes controversial AI thumbnail tool after wave of backlash
- KPop Demon Hunters: Real Ages Revealed?!
2025-07-04 14:48