After 7 years of development, Elder Scrolls Online developer's new MMO is reportedly canceled amid wider Xbox layoffs

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Zenimax Online developers have reportedly been locked out of their Slack accounts, suggesting layoffs at the studio

Elder Scrolls Online
(Image credit: Zenimax Online)

Microsoft has cancelled Zenimax Online Studios' new MMO project, codenamed Blackbird, as part of the ongoing layoffs, according to reports.

Despite Phil Spencer himself telling staff "our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger," the fourth big round of layoffs hitting Xbox studios in 18 months is coming. Reports have already emerged that Rare's Everwild has been cancelled as part of this process, and now reports have emerged that Zenimax Online Studios' next game has also joined that list.

Scott McCrae
Scott McCrae
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Scott has been freelancing for over three years across a number of different gaming publications, first appearing on GamesRadar+ in 2024. He has also written for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, VG247, Play, TechRadar, and others. He's typically rambling about Metal Gear Solid, God Hand, or any other PS2-era titles that rarely (if ever) get sequels.

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