Sackbird Studios: ex‑ZeniMax devs form employee‑owned indie studio

After the large Xbox layoffs and the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a group of former ZeniMax Online Studios developers have launched a new, employee‑owned company called Sackbird Studios. The team—reportedly fewer than ten people including CEO Lee Ridout and COO David Worley—is self‑funded and focused on retaining full creative control.

What we know

• Origin: Formed by former ZeniMax Online Studios staff, including members who worked on the canceled Project Blackbird.
• Structure: Employee‑owned and self‑funded, aiming for long‑term independence without outside investors.
• Team size: Fewer than 10 senior staff at launch.
• Projects: In active development on an original title for PC and consoles; no gameplay or release details revealed yet.
• Location: Reported base in Baltimore, Maryland.

Context

The move follows Microsoft’s large restructuring that included thousands of layoffs and the cancellation of multiple projects at Xbox and ZeniMax. Many displaced developers chose to start fresh—Sackbird Studios is one example of teams responding by forming small, independent studios to preserve creative control.

Sources & further reading

• GameSpot: Ex‑Elder Scrolls Online devs launch Sackbird Studios
• GamesIndustry.biz: ZeniMax Online Studios leadership changes
• VGChartz: Former Blackbird devs establish Sackbird Studios

Discussion

Is the employee‑owned, self‑funded approach the best path for ambitious, original games today? Share your thoughts below.