In a gaming industry landscape dominated by corporate giants and high-stakes investments, a group of former ZeniMax Online developers has taken a bold step towards creative freedom and autonomy. Following the cancellation of Project Blackbird earlier this year, a team of seasoned veterans from The Elder Scrolls Online has come together to establish Sackbird Studios, a worker-owned game development studio based in Baltimore, Maryland.
The brainchild of industry veterans, Sackbird Studios aims to create a developer-first environment where creative independence is non-negotiable. With a tight-knit team of under 10 employees, the studio is currently working on an original game for consoles and PC. While details about the project remain under wraps, the team’s commitment to self-funding for multiple years ensures full creative control and the freedom to take smart risks without external pressures.
Chief Creative Officer David Worley expressed the team’s vision for Sackbird Studios, stating, “After years in AAA, we wanted the freedom to take smart risks without waiting for a greenlight or chasing quarterly targets. We’re fully employee-owned and funded, which means we only answer to people who are passionate about games.” This sentiment was echoed by CEO Lee Ridout, emphasizing the importance of protecting their craft and team in the face of industry upheavals.
The formation of Sackbird Studios comes in the wake of Microsoft’s mass layoffs earlier this year, which saw the cancellation of Project Blackbird and left many developers without jobs. The studio’s establishment represents a beacon of hope for industry professionals seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment, free from the constraints of traditional corporate structures.
Public and player reactions to the news have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing support for the team’s commitment to creative independence and self-determination. Social media platforms like Mastodon have been abuzz with discussions about the studio’s formation, highlighting the industry’s growing interest in alternative models of game development.
As Sackbird Studios embarks on its journey to bring their original game to life, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the fruits of their labor. With the promise of innovative gameplay experiences and a fresh approach to game development, Sackbird Studios is poised to make a significant impact on the industry landscape.
#NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI #IndieDev #CreativeFreedom
References:
– GameSpot: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ex-elder-scrolls-online-devs-behind-canceled-mmo-project-blackbird-game-launch-a-new-studio/1100-6535321/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
– VGChartz: https://www.vgchartz.com/article/465944/former-the-elder-scrolls-online-and-project-blackbird-devs-establish-sackbird-studios/
– Rock Paper Shotgun: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/following-microsofts-mass-layoffs-former-elder-scrolls-online-and-blackbird-devs-form-worker-owned-studio
– MassivelyOP: https://massivelyop.com/2025/10/09/former-project-blackbird-developers-band-together-to-found-wait-for-it-sackbird-studios/
– GamesIndustry.biz: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/former-zenimax-online-devs-form-sackbird-studios
– Pure Xbox: https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/10/former-zenimax-devs-who-were-fired-by-xbox-create-new-company-called-sackbird-studios
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