Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ex-ZeniMax Online Leads Form Employee-Owned Sackbird Studios

Founders cite Project Blackbird’s cancellation as the catalyst for a small, self-funded team.

Overview

  • The Baltimore studio was announced with a founding group of fewer than ten senior developers from The Elder Scrolls Online and the canceled Project Blackbird.
  • Sackbird says it is fully employee-owned and self-funded for multiple years with no outside investors, which it frames as ensuring full creative control.
  • Leaders describe a developer-first environment with a long runway, a tight senior team, and a focus on sustainable development.
  • The team is in active development on an original game for PC and consoles, with no details or timeline disclosed.
  • CEO Lee Ridout and COO David Worley say the new studio grew out of Microsoft-related cancellations and layoffs, aiming to take smart risks without chasing quarterly targets.