Summary
- ZeniMax’s cancelled MMORPG Blackbird was set in a huge sci-fi world with alien gangs ruling the city.
- You would play as a Revenant, a special human working with an AI to keep the peace.
- The game had cool movement mechanics like grappling hooks and wall-running, plus deep character customization.
ZeniMax’s Cancelled MMORPG Blackbird Featured a Deep Sci-Fi Universe
ZeniMax Online Studios was working on an exciting new MMORPG called Blackbird before it got cancelled in recent Xbox layoffs. Fans won’t get to explore the massive sci-fi world called Soteria, but some fresh details have leaked from TrueAchievements that show just how ambitious this game was.
The game’s world was split between an icy side and a super hot side, with a middle area called the Twilight Band where players would live. There was a powerful AI named PAN controlling the city, but things were far from peaceful.
Five alien syndicates fought for control, and players took on the role of a Revenant — an augmented human trying to keep the balance.
Alien Syndicates and a Noir Mystery
Blackbird had five alien groups, each with their own personalities: the proud and ancient Menst, the sneaky Calpiten, aquatic Nemocytes needing special suits, furry business-savvy W’Hurran, and the secret-stealing Trahet.
The story was a mix of sci-fi and crime thriller, revolving around a high-profile murder of an alien leader. Players would dig into this mystery, working with or against syndicates in missions that could have up to six players working together.
Fun Movement and Deep Customisation
The gameplay wasn’t just about shooting — movement was a big deal. You could use grappling hooks, dash around, and run on walls, making it feel fast and fluid, kind of like in Spider-Man games.
Players could pick roles like tanks, healers, or tech operators and had a lot of freedom to customize how their characters looked and played. Tattoos, scars, cybernetics, and even decorating your apartment were part of the plan. Missions ranged from combat-heavy strikes to more playful activities like races and a sport that mixed basketball and Quidditch.
Even though Xbox boss Phil Spencer really liked Blackbird, bigger company decisions to focus on AI and restructure led to its cancellation. It’s a big loss, especially with other projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark also getting cut.
