- An unexpected MMO of The elder scrolls online The developer Zenimax Game Studios has been canceled
- The project is only one of the many who have been canceled in the midst of mass layoffs in Microsoft
- Zenimax Matt Firor’s game chief also resigned
Microsoft has canceled a massively flooded multiplayer game (MMO) THE Elder scrolls Online Zenimax Game Studios developer.
This comes in the midst of mass layoffs to Microsoft who saw 9,000 assigned staff members, as well as several other games to be canceled, including Perfect Dark And Farce.
The project, named Blackbird, would be an MMO and a whole new intellectual property unrelated to The passing of the elder Or To fall. Development has started in 2018 and has been underway for seven years. It seems that the team was also cut in the context of layoffs.
According to Bloomberg journalist, Jason Schreier, on Bluesky, “some employees of Zenimax’s online studios are now watching their slack accounts are blocking suddenly”, and they have not received any HR words or have been informed of the status of their job, “just an unpleasant casualness.”
In addition, Zenimax Game Studios chief Matt Firor left his position and was replaced by Joseph Burba.
“After more than 18 years at the head of the Zenimax online studios, I will go away later this month,” said Firor on X / Twitter.
“Although I no longer work on the game, I will encourage you and add to the thousands of hours I have already spent in the game. There are many more stories to tell, adventures to have, and I know that this incredible community will carry this heritage and the success shared forward.”
Please read this update from the president of Zos, Matt Firor. pic.twitter.com/m00g1qzzrhJuly 2, 2025
Jill Braff, head of the Bethesda and Zenimax studio, also shared a service note announcing leadership changes while commenting on the last job cuts (via IGN).
“Dear team. Drawing on Matt’s note below, I want to take a moment first to recognize the changes that occur today through Microsoft Gaming, including Bethesda / Zenimax,” wrote Braff.
“To say goodbye to the talented colleagues and friends is painful. These people have contributed significantly to our studios, to our games and our culture. I want to thank them for the contributions they have made that have shaped our team trip and as a business.
“I also want to share today that Matt Firor has decided to leave his role as head of the Zenimax online studios, from July 14. I want to offer a sincere thank you for his incredible Zos leadership in the past 18 years. As a driving force behind the more loved MMO of the Industry.”
He continues, writing: “I am happy to announce that Joseph (‘Jo’) Burba will take over for Matt Firor as a new studio director for Zos. With more than 20 years in the industry, his vast experience in multiplayer titles live, and a solid experience in various roles through Zos in the last thirteen years, Jo is well prepared to conduct the team in his next chapter.
“Matt, Jo and I will work together to finalize our transition plan – more to come soon. In the meantime, please join me to wish Matt all the best and congratulate Jo for his new role. Thank you all for your dedication to Bethesda / Zenimax, our community and yourself.”
Braff refers to an earlier note from the head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, in which he confirmed the numerous cancellations of the game, the closure of the developer The Initiative and the cancellation of “several unexpected projects”.
