Ex-ZOS Founder: Canceled ‘Project Blackbird’ Led to My Resignation
▼ Summary
– Matt Firor confirmed his resignation from ZeniMax Online Studios was directly caused by the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a game he had long wanted to create.
– He clarified he is not leading any new projects started by laid-off former colleagues, though he is informally advising some of them.
– Project Blackbird was a new IP in development for over seven years, described as an online sci-fi shooter set on a unique exoplanet with cooperative missions.
– The game was canceled as part of Microsoft-mandated layoffs intended to fund AI investments, despite reports that it had shown significant promise in playtests.
– A new studio named Sackbird Studios has been founded by some of the laid-off developers to work on a new game, separate from Firor’s involvement.
The recent departure of a key figure from a major online game studio has been directly linked to the termination of a long-in-development project. Former ZeniMax Online Studios founder and studio head Matt Firor has confirmed that the cancellation of the ambitious “Project Blackbird” was the primary reason for his resignation. In a personal update, Firor clarified he is not formally leading any new ventures started by former colleagues but is offering informal advice. He expressed profound respect for the impacted development team and gratitude for the community surrounding his previous work, noting he now enjoys the game as a regular player.
Addressing widespread speculation, Firor stated the most obvious reason for his exit is the correct one. He described Project Blackbird as the game he had waited his entire career to create, making its cancellation a decisive factor. His thoughts remain with the talented team members, many of whom he collaborated with for over two decades, who were affected by the project’s abrupt end.
This high-profile cancellation occurred amidst broader corporate restructuring. The project was shut down as part of Microsoft-mandated layoffs, with resources reportedly being redirected to fund investments in artificial intelligence. The decision was particularly disheartening as the game had reportedly evolved into a highly promising experience. Internal playtests had garnered positive reactions, including from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who was reportedly so engaged during a session that the controller had to be taken from him. Journalists who viewed development materials also came away impressed.
Project Blackbird was in development for over seven years and was based on an original science fiction universe. By late 2022, approximately 200 developers were assigned to the title. Details that have emerged paint a picture of a compelling cooperative experience. Set on a tidally locked exoplanet named Soteria, the game featured three distinct environmental zones: a frozen dark side, a scorching sun-facing side, and a habitable twilight band between them.
Players would have taken on the roles of “Revenants,” operatives working for various alien syndicates vying for control across the planet. The core gameplay involved undertaking cooperative missions for four to six players, completing contracts to build rank and reputation within chosen factions. The overall aesthetic was described as having a distinct sci-fi noir vibe, which many found intriguing.
While this specific game will not see release, some of its creative talent has regrouped. A new studio formed by several laid-off developers from the project is now working on an original game, offering a glimmer of hope that the team’s vision may yet be realized in a new form.
(Source: wccftech)