- An unannounced mmo from Elder rolls online Developer Zenimax Game Studios is canceled
- The project is only one of many who have been canceled in the middle of mass slings on Microsoft
- Zenimax Game Studios Head Matt Firor has also stepped down
Microsoft has canceled an unannounced massive multiplayer game (MMO) from The Oldest rolls Online Develops Zenimax Game Studios.
This comes in the midst of lots of layoffs at Microsoft, which has seen 9,000 employees affected, as well as several other games to be canceled, including Perfectly dark and Everwild.
The project, Code-Named Blackbird, was said to be an MMO and a brand new IP not related to Oldest rolls or Fallout. Development began in 2018 and has been in the works for seven years. It seems that the team has also been cut as part of the layoffs.
According to Bloomberg Reporter Jason Schreier on Bluesky, “Some employees in Zenimax Online Studios now see their relaxing accounts suddenly be locked out,” and they have not received any word from Mr. or been informed of the status of their employment, “just an ill -fetching slack -deceive.”
In addition, Zenimax Game Studios’ head Matt Firor has stepped down from his position and been replaced by Joseph Burn.
“After more than 18 years of leading Zenimax Online Studios, I’ll go away later this month,” Firor said on X / Twitter.
“Although I no longer work on the game, I will cheer on you and add the thousands of hours I have already spent in the game. There are many more stories to know, adventures to have had and I know that this amazing community will carry the shared heritage and success from.”
Read this update from ZOS president, Matt Firor. pic.twitter.com/m00g1qzzrhJuly 2, 2025
Jill Braff, head of Studio for Bethesda and Zenimax, also shared a staff memo that announced the leadership changes while also commenting the latest job cuts (via IGN).
“Dear Team. Building on Matt’s Note below, I will only take a moment to recognize the changes that are happening today across Microsoft Gaming, including Bethesda/Zenimax,” Braff wrote.
“It’s painful to say goodbye to talented colleagues and friends.
“I also want to share today that Matt Firor has decided to resign his role as leader of Zenimax Online Studios, with effect from July 14.
He continues to write, “I am pleased to announce that Joseph (‘Jo’) Burba takes over for Matt Firor as the new study director for ZOS. With over 20 years in the industry, after all, extensive experience with Live Service Multiplayer titles and a strong background in different roles throughout ZOS over the last thirteen years is well prepared to lead the team to its next chapter.
“Matt, yes, and I will work together to end our transition plan – more coming soon. Meanwhile, please join me to wish Matt all the best and congratulate his new role. Thank you all for your dedication to Bethesda/Zenimax, our community and to each other.”
Braff refers to a prior memo from the head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, where he confirmed the many game cancellations, the closure of the developer initiative and the cancellation of “several unannounced projects”.
