Overview
- Firor confirmed in a public post that Blackbird’s cancellation “led to my resignation,” calling it the game he had waited his career to make.
- He said he is offering unofficial advice and small investments to former colleagues, is not directly involved in their new projects, and is enjoying Elder Scrolls Online as a regular player.
- Project Blackbird had been in development for more than seven years, with about 200 developers assigned by late 2022, according to prior studio statements.
- Reporting ties the cancellation to Microsoft’s 2025 layoffs and resource shifts toward AI initiatives.
- Coverage described strong internal reception, with Bloomberg reporting Phil Spencer enjoyed a playtest and Jason Schreier praising a vertical slice, while some laid-off developers have since formed Sackbird Studios.