ZeniMax Veteran Matt Firor Leaves Company

Hires

05 January 2026 13:54

Matt Firor has officially stepped down from his role as President of ZeniMax Online Studios after 18 years, marking the end of a long career at the company where he led the development of The Elder Scrolls Online. His departure came just days before details about Project Blackbird, an MMO that was in development as the studio's follow-up to ESO, surfaced online.

Project Blackbird had been in development for several years, but the project was ultimately canceled following a series of layoffs and cost-cutting measures at ZeniMax during the summer of 2025. These changes came after Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax, which led to tighter controls over the studio’s budget and direction.

Firor later confirmed on social media that his resignation was a direct result of Project Blackbird being shut down. In a post, he explained, "Project Blackbird was the game I had waited my entire career to create, and having it canceled led to my resignation." He also expressed deep sympathy for the team affected by the cancellation, many of whom he had worked with for over 20 years. He called them "the most dedicated, amazingly talented group of developers in the industry."

While Firor has not announced his next big step, he mentioned that he is currently consulting on various projects and working with startups in an informal advisory role. He also revealed he’s been investing in studios that he believes will have a significant impact on the future of the industry. However, he has not considered starting his own studio at this time.

More:Fnatic to Release Rainbow Six Roster

Tags: ZeniMax Microsoft

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ZeniMax Veteran Matt Firor Leaves Company

Hires

05 January 2026 13:54

Tags: ZeniMax Microsoft

Matt Firor has officially stepped down from his role as President of ZeniMax Online Studios after 18 years, marking the end of a long career at the company where he led the development of The Elder Scrolls Online. His departure came just days before details about Project Blackbird, an MMO that was in development as the studio's follow-up to ESO, surfaced online.

Project Blackbird had been in development for several years, but the project was ultimately canceled following a series of layoffs and cost-cutting measures at ZeniMax during the summer of 2025. These changes came after Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax, which led to tighter controls over the studio’s budget and direction.

Firor later confirmed on social media that his resignation was a direct result of Project Blackbird being shut down. In a post, he explained, "Project Blackbird was the game I had waited my entire career to create, and having it canceled led to my resignation." He also expressed deep sympathy for the team affected by the cancellation, many of whom he had worked with for over 20 years. He called them "the most dedicated, amazingly talented group of developers in the industry."

While Firor has not announced his next big step, he mentioned that he is currently consulting on various projects and working with startups in an informal advisory role. He also revealed he’s been investing in studios that he believes will have a significant impact on the future of the industry. However, he has not considered starting his own studio at this time.

More:Fnatic to Release Rainbow Six Roster

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