Ex ZeniMax Online Developers Form Sackbird Studios and Begin Work on Original Multiplayer Project
A small group of former ZeniMax Online Studios developers, numbering fewer than ten at this stage, have officially announced the founding of Sackbird Studios, a new independent game development studio based in Baltimore. The team, made up of developers who previously worked on The Elder Scrolls Online and the cancelled project Project Blackbird, aims to create a studio culture built on creative freedom and developer ownership.
The inspiration behind Sackbird Studios came directly from the cancellation of Project Blackbird, which led to layoffs at ZeniMax Online earlier this year. In a statement, Lee Ridout, CEO of Sackbird Studios, explained the motivation for establishing the new studio:
“We’re grateful for our time at ZeniMax Online Studios; it shaped us as developers and as people. When I learned that Blackbird was being cancelled and a lot of people were losing their jobs, it lit a fire. We realized the best way to protect our craft and our team was to create a studio where creative independence isn’t negotiable.”
David Worley, COO of Sackbird Studios, added that after years in the AAA industry, the founding members wanted to take a different approach:
“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.”
According to the studio, Sackbird is already working on its first original project for PC and consoles. Although no official details have been shared yet, the team hinted through LinkedIn that their focus is to “create unforgettable multiplayer experiences that surprise and thrill players.”
Given the pedigree of the team and their clear focus on innovation and creative control, Sackbird Studios’ debut project is likely to be one to watch closely in the coming years.
What do you think about Sackbird Studios’ mission of total creative independence? Would you like to see them explore something in the spirit of The Elder Scrolls Online or take a completely new direction?
