Matt Firor Opens Up About Microsoft Killing His Dream MMO

Key Points:

• Microsoft canceled Project Blackbird, an online loot shooter RPG from ZeniMax Online Studios, during its 2025 cost-cutting measures despite positive feedback from then–Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.
• Matt Firor, former head of ZeniMax Online Studios, revealed the cancellation was financially driven and led to his departure from the company, emphasizing the harsh business realities behind such decisions.
• Significant investment had been made in a new engine for Project Blackbird to enhance development efficiency and live-service support, but the project's large budget made it a prime target for cuts after Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition.
• Firor described the cancellation as a devastating blow, noting the game was a unique and enjoyable concept that still required substantial work to complete, but he believed it would have positively impacted the gaming landscape.
• The decision reflects broader industry challenges where public companies seek predictable, reliable revenue growth, which can conflict with the unpredictable nature of creative game development.