In a turn of fate that highlights the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry, Microsoft has recently made waves by announcing significant layoffs totaling 9,000 positions. This move follows two years during which over 12,000 roles were eliminated, culminating in studio closures and the cancellation of numerous projects.

One notable cancellation is ZeniMax’s MMO, codenamed Blackbird, which had captured the enthusiasm of Xbox higher-ups. According to sources, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, was so impressed during an internal demo in March that he required Matt Booty to pry the controller from his hands.

Initially, the game was positioned for a 2028 release and was set to be a third-person shooter combining sci-fi elements with vertical mobility mechanics such as grappling hooks and wall climbing.

However, hopes were dashed when the development team logged into their communication platform to find their accounts disabled, ultimately learning their project had been shelved indefinitely. The disheartening decision left the team’s future in uncertainty as they now navigate severance negotiations with a recently organized union.

As Spencer articulated in a memo to staff, the gaming division is purportedly thriving, yet the cancellation of a project that once promised much illustrates a stark contrast to that optimism.

This scenario serves as a poignant reminder of the precariousness that can accompany success in the gaming world.