They were among those laid off by Microsoft.
Microsoft’s recent round of cuts resulted in the dismissal of more than 300 staff from ZeniMax Online Studios.
In response, former team members banded together to form Sackbird Studios — a fully independent, employee-owned studio that has already secured funding for several years.
After years spent in the AAA space, we wanted the latitude to take considered risks without waiting for approvals or chasing quarterly numbers. We are fully employee-owned and financed, which means we answer only to people who genuinely love games.
Studio CEO Lee Ridout added that the team values the time they spent at ZeniMax Online Studios.
When I learned Project Blackbird had been cancelled and many colleagues lost their jobs, it ignited a spark in me. We realized the most reliable way to protect our craft and our people was to build a studio where creative independence is non-negotiable.
Sackbird Studios has not revealed specifics about its debut title but says it will launch on PC and consoles.
Source: iXBT.games