ZeniMax Online’s Canceled MMORPG: Development Ends After 7 Years

ZeniMax Online’s New MMORPG Project ‘Blackbird’ Canceled Amid Microsoft Layoffs

Recent reports have solidified the news that ZeniMax Online’s second MMORPG, codenamed ‘Blackbird, ’ has been canceled as a consequence of extensive layoffs at Microsoft. Esteemed journalist Jason Schreier from Bloomberg announced this development on BlueSky, marking a significant shift for the studio.

The Legacy of ZeniMax Online

ZeniMax Online is well-known for its success with Elder Scrolls Online, which has continued to receive updates and expansions, including a major recent enhancement. Although the team has been occupied with this enduring title, there were aspirations for a new venture, which had been in development since early 2018. At the time of our last report in November 2022, the dedicated team working on ‘Blackbird’ had grown to more than 200 developers over four and a half years.

Insights from the Creative Director

Leading the creative efforts was Ben Jones, who shared some insights into the ambitious project. He detailed that ‘Blackbird’ was intended as a **new intellectual property (IP)**, built upon a foundational world and narrative framework established prior to his arrival. His role was to flesh out these concepts, cultivating a core team to bring the vision to life.

Jones elaborated on the initial composition of the team, which included hiring both a Lead Writer and a Loremaster. The Loremaster’s role was pivotal, focusing on the mythology and essential tenants of the new IP. Jones noted, “We work together along with our core creative team to establish what those core tenants are. We iterated on that. Our main story has changed 10 times in the last four and a half years as we evolve what the product is.” This iterative approach signifies the complexity and ambition behind the project.

Initial Concepts and Game Dynamics

According to information from Windows Central, the game was envisioned to be set in a sprawling fantasy world, integrating dialogue mechanics reminiscent of Star Wars: The Old Republic and Elder Scrolls Online. The intention was for this title to eventually assume the role of ZeniMax Online’s primary focus, phasing in as Elder Scrolls Online would gradually wind down. However, with the cancellation of ‘Blackbird, ’ all resources and attention have now shifted back to enhancing the existing game.

Future Implications and Related Projects

There are also suggestions that the cancellation may have reverberations for other projects under the Microsoft umbrella, including the much-anticipated Perfect Dark. While this remains unconfirmed, it highlights an ongoing scrutiny of the gaming landscape amidst significant corporate restructuring.

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