Summary
- Microsoft cancelled ZeniMax Online Studios’ Blackbird MMO to redirect resources toward expanding the Fallout franchise.
- Fallout 5 has been greenlit for full production, with a possible new studio working on the series.
- Bethesda is also working on The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield DLC while Fallout remains a major priority.
Microsoft Cancels Blackbird MMO to Prioritise Fallout
A recent discussion on the Xbox Two Podcast revealed that Microsoft and Bethesda have made a strategic decision to cancel the long-in-development Blackbird MMO by ZeniMax Online Studios.
Jez Corden, host of the podcast, shared insights suggesting that Microsoft opted to reallocate resources from Blackbird to more promising projects within the Fallout franchise.
According to Corden, Microsoft faced a choice: continue funding Blackbird, a risky MMO venture, or focus on expanding Fallout 5 and other Fallout-related games, which are seen as a safer and potentially more successful investment.
Fallout 5 has reportedly been greenlit for full production, indicating strong confidence from Microsoft in the franchise’s future. However, details on whether a new studio will be formed to handle future Fallout titles remain unclear.
Current Focus on Fallout and Other Bethesda Projects
Bethesda continues to work on major projects, including The Elder Scrolls 6 and possibly more downloadable content (DLC) for Starfield. Fallout remains a key pillar in Bethesda’s lineup, especially considering it has been 11 years since the release of Fallout 4 and nearly seven years since Fallout 76’s launch.
Microsoft’s decision to cancel Blackbird MMO underscores its commitment to bolstering the Fallout series rather than branching into new MMO territory.
