So here's the thing about Microsoft's latest studio drama. Matt Firor, the guy who ran Elder Scrolls Online for years, just revealed why he left Zenimax. And honestly? Can't blame him one bit.
Turns out Microsoft killed his passion project - something called Project Blackbird. This wasn't just another MMO either. Firor's calling it "the game I had waited my entire career to create." That hits different when you remember this dude's been making online games since forever. We're talking about someone who worked on Dark Age of Camelot back in the day.
What's wild is Microsoft apparently loved the project. At least that's what Firor's saying. They praised it, gave positive feedback, then... pulled the plug anyway. Classic corporate move, right? You've got to wonder what goes through executives' heads sometimes. Here's a veteran developer with a proven track record running one of the biggest MMOs out there, and they shut down his dream project.
The timing stings too. Microsoft's been on this buying spree for years now - Activision, Bethesda, the works. But then they turn around and cancel projects from the studios they bought? Makes zero sense. Firor didn't give many details about what Project Blackbird actually was, but considering his background, it was probably something special.
Now he's moved on from Zenimax entirely. After building ESO into what it is today, he's starting fresh somewhere else. Meanwhile, Microsoft's sitting on another canceled game that we'll never get to play. Just another day in the gaming industry, I guess.
Fred
Shooters — FPS, tactical, battle royale, competitive multiplayer