Action RPG

A new MMORPG from the Elder Scrolls Online devs has reportedly been cancelled as part of Microsoft’s layoffs

BBG News

It appears that Microsoft has allegedly terminated a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) which was being developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, creators of The Elder Scrolls Online, as part of broader job cuts within the company.

Based on a post by Jason Schreier from Bloomberg, it seems that layoffs may have led to the cancellation of Everwild by Rare. It appears that there is a growing pile of abandoned projects at Microsoft, possibly due to these job cuts, although the company has not yet officially commented on this matter.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next big MMORPG from ZeniMax Online Studios, codenamed “Blackbird.” Ever since its development kicked off back in 2018, I’ve been keeping a close eye on it. This project would have marked their second major title as principal developers, with Elder Scrolls Online being the first, launched way back in 2014. Over the years, Elder Scrolls Online has continued to evolve, receiving regular updates and expansions, making it even more immersive and exciting for players like me.

Despite limited mentions about Blackbird throughout the years, ZeniMax Online Studios advertised job vacancies in search of professionals to work on a novel engine for a forthcoming game around 2019.

On their website, ZOS states, “From our experience bringing The Elder Scrolls universe to life, we’re now ready to apply those lessons and create a brand-new AAA game IP. Our next game’s vision is nothing short of spectacular, which is why we’re developing a new engine tailored for the project and our studio’s needs. Since we’re in the early stages of pre-production, this is an ideal opportunity to join us and help shape an extraordinary new venture.

If the news is true, it’s unfortunate that we won’t witness Blackbird’s potential development further. I must admit, despite my fondness for an ancient scroll, I haven’t grown particularly attached to ESO within its multiplayer environment. However, similar to its distant cousin Fallout 76, ESO has proven resilient and enduring, transforming significantly over time and cultivating a dedicated fanbase.

Even though the news about the game cancellation is disappointing for me as a fan, it’s clear that the people who are losing their jobs due to these layoffs are what truly matters. To give you an idea of how haphazard and distressing the recent Xbox layoff at Zenimax Online Studios has been, as reported by Schreier in an additional post, some employees have found their Slack accounts unexpectedly locked. There’s no communication from HR, no information about their job status, only a worrying deactivation of their Slack account.

Christ.

Read More

2025-07-02 19:55

Previous post Brenda Blethyn’s “gripping” and “shocking” British thriller confirms first UK screening
Next post Lindsay Lohan shares rare family snap as she celebrates her 39th birthday in Italy