09.10.2025

Ex-ZeniMax Online developers establish Sackbird Studios

Image credit: Sackbird Studios

Former developers from ZeniMax Online have come together to establish Sackbird Studios.

This independent studio, entirely owned and funded by its employees, includes fewer than ten members who contributed to Elder Scrolls Online and the since-abandoned MMO, Project Blackbird.

Sackbird Studios has not yet revealed details of its first game, but it is actively working on a new project aimed at PC and console platforms.

CEO Lee Ridout expressed gratitude for their experiences at ZeniMax Online, stating, "The cancellation of Blackbird and the resulting job losses motivated us."

Ridout pointed out, "We wanted a place where creative freedom is paramount, which led us to form our own studio."

COO David Worley remarked, "Our AAA experience has shown us the value of flexibility without needing approval for every decision."

"Being employee-owned allows us to prioritize our passion for games," Worley noted.

Earlier, Microsoft implemented significant layoffs in its gaming division, affecting over 9,000 workers.

These layoffs impacted ZeniMax Online, led to The Initiative's closure, and halted the Perfect Dark reboot. Other projects like Rare's Everwild and parts of Forza Motorsport's development team, Turn 10, also faced cuts.

gamesindustry.biz
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