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Zenimax Online Studios

All articles tagged with #zenimax online studios

gaming10 days ago

Ex-Zenimax Lead Resigns After 'Blackbird' Game Cancellation

Former ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor confirmed that the cancellation of the highly anticipated game Project Blackbird, which he had waited his entire career to create, led to his resignation. The game, a sci-fi third-person shooter set on an exoplanet, was in development for over seven years and showed promising gameplay, but was abruptly canceled due to Microsoft layoffs related to AI investments. Firor expressed respect for the development team and now enjoys the game as a community member, while former team members are working on new projects.

technology6 months ago

ZeniMax Devs Decry Loss of Future Amid Xbox MMO Cancellation

Microsoft is set to lay off most of the 222 employees at ZeniMax Online Studios who worked on the canceled MMORPG Blackbird, with negotiations ongoing for severance packages. The project, in development since 2018 and highly regarded by Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer, was abruptly shelved, leading to significant job losses and community disappointment. Union efforts aim to support affected workers through severance and dignity in departure, amid broader concerns about layoffs within Microsoft and Xbox.

technology6 months ago

Microsoft's Layoffs Lead to Cancellations of Elder Scrolls MMO and Perfect Dark Reboot

Microsoft's recent mass layoffs have impacted numerous gaming projects, including the unannounced sci-fi MMO 'Blackbird' from ZeniMax Online Studios, which has been canceled along with the departure of its team and studio head, amidst broader cuts affecting multiple high-profile games and studios within Microsoft's gaming division.

technology6 months ago

Elder Scrolls Online Developer's New MMORPG Canceled Amid Microsoft Layoffs

Microsoft's layoffs reportedly led to the cancellation of 'Blackbird,' a new MMORPG in development at ZeniMax Online Studios, the creators of Elder Scrolls Online. The cancellation was confirmed by senior producer Chris Linn, and the studio is undergoing leadership changes with the departure of president Matt Firor. The project, in development since 2018, was intended to be a new AAA IP, but its future is now uncertain amidst the layoffs and studio upheaval.

technology6 months ago

Microsoft Cancels Multiple Game Projects Amid Layoffs and Studio Restructuring

Microsoft's recent layoffs have led to the cancellation of an unannounced MMO from ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of Elder Scrolls Online, with studio head Matt Firor stepping down after 18 years. The layoffs are part of broader cuts across Microsoft's gaming division following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, affecting multiple projects and studios.

gaming1 year ago

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Expansion Propels MMO to New Heights"

The Elder Scrolls Online faced challenges in its development, particularly in defining its identity as an online game while staying true to the Elder Scrolls series. The release of Skyrim forced the team to reevaluate and make significant changes to better align with the beloved single-player game. Over the years, the game has evolved, introducing updates like 'One Tamriel' and 'Chapters' to improve player experience and accessibility. Despite past struggles, The Elder Scrolls Online has grown into a thriving MMO with over 24 million players, and its upcoming expansion, Gold Road, continues to expand the game's world and story.

gaming1 year ago

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Expansion - A Game-Changer for MMO Fans"

The Elder Scrolls Online celebrates its tenth anniversary with the upcoming Gold Road expansion, offering a non-linear gameplay experience and a beginner-friendly approach for new players. The expansion introduces the West Weald region, featuring an autumnal landscape and a mysterious jungle with new quests and activities. With customizable character skills and engaging combat, the expansion aims to appeal to both solo and cooperative players, making it an enticing entry point for those new to MMOs.

gaming2 years ago

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Expansion Unveiled – What You Should Expect"

ZeniMax Online Studios has announced the next Chapter for Elder Scrolls Online, called Gold Road, which will introduce the West Weald zone, new quests, and major features like Scribing, a customizable skill system. The expansion will also include new content such as dungeons, a trial, and a world event, with a roadmap for updates throughout 2024. Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road is set to launch on June 3 for PC and June 18 on consoles.

gaming2 years ago

ZeniMax Vows to Resolve Stolen Art Dispute in Elder Scrolls Online.

ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, is working on a resolution after a fan artist claimed that their art was used in an official cosmetic skin without proper credit or compensation. The studio said it was not their intention to use community fan art without credit and is now in contact with the artist to ensure a proper resolution. This is not the first time a studio has been accused of using fan art without permission, as Activision removed a dog/wolf skin from Call of Duty in 2022 after an artist claimed plagiarism.