Xbox CEO Phil Spencer reportededly became fixated on ZeniMax's unrevealed title - only for it to get axed.
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced the cancellation of several highly anticipated games under its Xbox division. The unannounced MMORPG, Blackbird, from ZeniMax Online Studios, the new IP Everwild from Rare, and the Perfect Dark reboot, a project co-developed by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics, have all been axed.
Despite positive feedback from gaming leadership, these cancellations are part of a broader restructuring within the Xbox division. The exact reasons for these specific cancellations are not explicitly stated, but several factors might have contributed to these decisions.
## Potential Reasons for Cancellations
1. **Financial and Risk Considerations**: Blackbird, an ambitious MMORPG, was in development for seven years and described as a costly project. The decision to cancel it might have been influenced by financial risks and the investment required for completion. The game's development timeline and budget could have been seen as too risky by Microsoft, especially if the project was not deemed viable for substantial returns.
2. **Shifting Strategic Focus**: Microsoft's gaming division is increasingly focusing on live services and battle passes, which might have shifted the company's strategic priorities away from these projects. This shift could mean that games not aligning with this new focus are being canceled to allocate resources more efficiently.
3. **Studio Restructuring and Layoffs**: The closure of The Initiative studio and the cancellation of Perfect Dark indicate that Microsoft is undergoing significant restructuring within its game development teams. This restructuring might be aimed at optimizing resources and aligning with the company's current strategic goals.
4. **Development Challenges and Timeframe**: Everwild was also in development for a long time, which might have led to concerns about its feasibility and timely release. Projects that are prolonged or face significant development challenges can become less appealing to maintain.
5. **Industry Trends and Market Conditions**: The gaming industry is highly competitive, and Microsoft may be adjusting its portfolio to better align with current market trends and consumer preferences. This could involve canceling projects that do not fit into the company's vision for future success.
The unionized team working on Blackbird is reportedly in a state of limbo due to union negotiations for jobs and severance. Similarly, it's uncertain if the team working on Everwild will face potential layoffs following the cancellation of the game.
In a strange twist, Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, was reportedly enjoying playing Blackbird during a meeting in March. However, the leadership at Microsoft reportedly had positive things to say about Blackbird, yet it was still canceled. It's unclear what, if any, concerns were raised about the development of Blackbird, Everwild, or the Perfect Dark reboot during meetings.
The cancellation of these games has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, and many are left wondering about the future of Microsoft's gaming division. As more information becomes available, we will continue to update this story.
- The cancellation of Blackbird, an expensive MMORPG project, might reflect Microsoft's concern over the financial risks and investment needed for its completion, given the project's development timeline and budget.
- The ongoing shift in Microsoft's gaming division towards live services and battle passes could have contributed to the cancellation of games not aligned with this new focus, allowing for better allocation of resources.
- The closure of The Initiative studio and cancellation of Perfect Dark hint at significant restructuring within Microsoft's game development teams, possibly aimed at optimizing resources and aligning with the company's current strategic goals.
- The prolonged development of Everwild and potential development challenges could have raised concerns about its feasibility and timely release, leading to its cancellation.
- The gaming industry's competitiveness and Microsoft's desire to better align its portfolio with current market trends and consumer preferences might have played a role in canceling games like Blackbird, Everwild, and the Perfect Dark reboot.
- Unionized team members working on Blackbird are in a state of limbo due to ongoing union negotiations for jobs and severance, and it remains uncertain if the Everwild team will face potential layoffs following the cancellation of the game.
- Despite Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, reportedly enjoying playing Blackbird during a meeting in March, the leadership at Microsoft decided to cancel the game, indicating that concerns about its development may have been raised during meetings.
