Lead Graphics Programmer Reveals Canceled ZOS MMORPG was Making Great Progress with New Game Engine

Cancellation of ZeniMax Online Studios’ MMORPG Project Blackbird

The abrupt cancellation of ZeniMax Online Studios’ much-anticipated MMORPG, codenamed Project Blackbird, has sent shockwaves throughout the development team. This momentous decision also coincides with the departure of the studio’s founder and leader, Matt Firor, leaving many team members in a state of disbelief.

Insights from Lead Graphics Programmer

In the wake of this unsettling news, Tardif, a lead graphics programmer at ZOS, took to LinkedIn to share his reflections. He emphasized that the MMORPG was “heading in a great direction, ”crediting his team for successfully developing a new engine that had “found its footing.”This new technology was particularly noteworthy, featuring a renderer crafted by an exceptionally skilled graphics team.

Our project got cancelled. We’d been working on a new engine + MMO for some time now, and despite some troubles along the way, the project was heading in a great direction and our tech had found its footing. Of the high notes of our tech was undoubtedly our new renderer, made by one of the best damn graphics teams around. If you see any of them looking for work in the coming days/weeks, they have my full throttled endorsement. An entire team of humble, hardworking, self motivated and passionate devs bleeding with talent. You could not go wrong hiring any of them.

A Personal Perspective

As an avid player of The Elder Scrolls Online, I personally experienced a whirlwind of emotions upon learning about the cancellation. The news not only saddens me but also raises concerns over the significant job losses that this decision has led to. However, it’s important to acknowledge the broader context. The project had been in development for over seven years without tangible results made public. Microsoft’s decision to halt funding for the project could stem from the slow progress that had been made, despite indications of improved technology.

The Broader Impact on the MMORPG Landscape

This cancellation is particularly disheartening given the diminishing number of AAA MMORPGs under development in the Western gaming market. With only a scant few projects in the pipeline, the gaming community is left yearning for innovative titles that can rival the classics. The landscape seems increasingly barren as many developers pivot toward other genres.

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