Exclusive: Elder Scrolls Online Dev’s Canceled Game Details Leaked
▼ Summary
– Microsoft reportedly canceled “Blackbird,” a sci-fi MMO from ZeniMax Online Studios that had been in development since 2018.
– The game was in pre-production with plans to ramp up, using a new engine, and had received approval from Xbox leadership to advance.
– Hundreds of developers at ZeniMax were affected by the cancellation, including team shifts from The Elder Scrolls Online.
– Microsoft confirmed canceling other games like Everwild and Perfect Dark but has not directly addressed the rumored ZeniMax project.
– Despite cancellations, Microsoft has over 40 games in development, including Gears of War: E-Day and Fable, with releases planned for 2026.
New details have emerged about a canceled sci-fi MMO from the creators of The Elder Scrolls Online, shedding light on what could have been a major new franchise. Codenamed Blackbird, this ambitious project was reportedly in development at ZeniMax Online Studios before being axed in Microsoft’s recent restructuring.
Sources indicate Blackbird was a fresh sci-fi intellectual property, distinct from ZeniMax’s existing franchises. Work on the game began as early as 2018, with the studio developing a custom engine to power the experience, a factor that may have extended its production timeline. Despite these challenges, pre-production was reportedly progressing smoothly, with the team expanding in anticipation of full-scale development.
The project had reportedly gained approval from Xbox leadership to move forward, prompting developers from The Elder Scrolls Online and other teams to transition onto Blackbird. However, Microsoft’s sweeping layoffs abruptly halted progress, leaving hundreds of employees at the Maryland studio affected. While Microsoft officially confirmed cancellations like Everwild and Perfect Dark, it has remained silent on Blackbird, though Xbox executive Matt Booty acknowledged that multiple unannounced projects were shelved.
ZeniMax president Matt Firor’s departure coincided with the layoffs, adding further uncertainty about the studio’s future. Microsoft still has an extensive pipeline, including Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and potential Halo projects for the series’ 25th anniversary. For now, Blackbird joins the growing list of promising games that never saw the light of day.
(Source: GameSpot)
