Ex-Elder Scrolls Online Devs Behind Canceled MMO Project Blackbird Game Launch A New Studio

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Earlier this year, Microsoft made significant cuts, including layoffs and the cancellation of several games, such as the ambitious online game, Project Blackbird. Project Blackbird was envisioned as a blend of the worlds of Cyberpunk 2077 and Destiny, and was being developed by the creators of The Elder Scrolls Online. Now, that same development team has come together to launch their own independent, employee-owned studio called Sackbird Studios.

The studio announced the news on its website, explaining that Sackbird has been financially independent for several years, without relying on outside investment. This independence allows the team to have complete creative freedom over their games.

After spending years working on big-budget games, my team and I decided we needed more creative control. We wanted to be able to try new things without having to get permission from a bunch of suits or worry about hitting sales numbers every three months. So, we formed Sackbird Studios and made it fully employee-owned! That means we’re funded by people who *love* games as much as we do, and we only answer to them – it’s a total game changer.

Lee Ridout, CEO of Sackbird, shared that their time at ZeniMax Online Studios was incredibly formative, both professionally and personally. The cancellation of Blackbird and the resulting job losses motivated them to start their own studio. They decided the best way to ensure creative freedom and protect their team was to build a company where artistic independence is a top priority.

Sackbird announced that it currently has fewer than ten employees. They haven’t revealed details about their first game yet, except that it will be a new, original title for both PC and consoles. The team also emphasized their commitment to creating unique and compelling games without interference from larger corporations.

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2025-10-08 23:09