The developer behind canceled Xbox MMO Blackbird launches a new studio with a great name

Earlier this year, Microsoft released Mass layoffs and competition cancellations, including blackbird projectan MMO is described as A combination of “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Destiny” From the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online. Now, the team has reunited as Sackbird Studios, an employee-owned studio.

The studio shared the news its official websitenoting that Sackbird has been self-funded “for years” without help from outside investors. This will allow teams to retain full creative control over their games.

“After many years at AAA, we wanted to have the freedom to take smart risks without having to wait for approval or chase quarterly goals,” Sackbird Studios chief creative officer David Worley said in a statement. “We are completely employee-owned and funded, which means we only serve those who are passionate about games.”

“We're grateful for the time we spent at ZeniMax Online Studios; it shaped who we are as developers and people,” added Sackbird CEO Lee Ridout. “When I learned that Blackbird was being canceled and that many people were losing their jobs, I was furious. We realized that the best way to protect our craft, and our team, was to create a studio where creative independence was non-negotiable.”

The announcement noted that the studio currently has fewer than ten employees. Sackbird isn't ready to reveal its first game yet, other than to reveal that it will be an original project that will launch on PC and consoles. The studio also reiterated the team's desire to create “bold, character-driven experiences without corporate compromises.”