Former ZeniMax Online Developers Launch Sackbird Studios to Develop New Original Game

Former ZeniMax Online Developers Launch Sackbird Studios

A small yet passionate group of former developers from ZeniMax Online, fewer than ten, has recently established Sackbird Studios in Baltimore. This independent studio was born out of the frustrations surrounding the cancellation of Project Blackbird and aims to circumvent the common challenges faced in the gaming industry.

Vision and Mission of Sackbird Studios

Lee Ridout, the Chief Executive Officer at Sackbird Studios, expressed his gratitude for his experiences at ZeniMax Online Studios, highlighting how they shaped both the personal and professional growth of the team. In light of the unfortunate cancellation of Blackbird, he shared:

“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.”

Embracing Creative Freedom

David Worley, the Chief Operating Officer at Sackbird Studios, echoed this sentiment by highlighting their desire for creative autonomy, 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.”

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

Sackbird Studios is already hard at work on its first original project intended for both PC and consoles. While details remain under wraps, a clue shared via LinkedIn suggests that their focus will be on:

Creating unforgettable multiplayer experiences that surprise and thrill players.

As this new studio progresses, the gaming community is excited to see what innovative experiences they will bring to the market. We will keep a close watch on Sackbird Studios as they develop their unique offerings in the years to come. Stay tuned for updates!

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