Overview

• Microsoft’s July cuts canceled ZeniMax Online’s long-running unannounced MMO, codenamed Blackbird, and led to staff reductions at the studio.
• Longtime president Matt Firor exited after 18 years, with responsibilities now split between studio game director Rich Lambert and new studio head Jo Burba.
• Lambert says the team is increasing the cadence of smaller, bite-sized updates and is already working on the next season.
• ZeniMax leadership expresses a desire to create new games beyond The Elder Scrolls Online, though greenlighting would ultimately rest with Microsoft.
• Lambert called the layoffs “super emotional” and “awful” and emphasized the team’s commitment to keep the game and its community moving forward.