Microsoft killed his dream MMO despite apparently loving it, says former Elder Scrolls Online head, so he left: "The game I had waited my entire career to create"
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Key Points:
- Former Elder Scrolls Online boss Matt Firor confirmed his departure from Zenimax Online was due to the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a Destiny-like MMO looter shooter, amid Microsoft's extensive layoffs and project cancellations.
- Firor resigned on July 2, 2025, after 18 years at Zenimax, expressing deep sympathy for the talented team members affected by the layoffs.
- Project Blackbird had been in development since 2018 and was reportedly well-received by Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who struggled to put the game down during meetings.
- Microsoft's layoffs also impacted other projects like Rare's Everwild, with Xbox leadership defending the cuts as necessary for long-term platform strength despite fan criticism.
- Firor is currently
