Matt Firor Reveals the Heartfelt Reasons Behind His Departure from ZeniMax Online

Matt Firor, the former head of ZeniMax Online Studios, has publicly shared the reasons for his departure from the company for the first time. He confirmed that he left the studio following the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an online shooter that the team had been developing for several years.

The news of Firor’s resignation emerged last summer amid significant layoffs within Microsoft. At that time, the corporation let go of thousands of employees and discontinued several projects, including an unannounced title from ZeniMax Online. According to Bloomberg, Project Blackbird was a third-person MMO set in a sci-fi universe and had received positive feedback during internal testing.

Firor has now confirmed that this decision marked a turning point for him. In a post on LinkedIn, he stated that «the most apparent explanation is the correct one.» He expressed that Project Blackbird was a game he had aspired to create throughout his career, and its cancellation directly influenced his decision to leave.

The former head also conveyed his support for the team affected by the cancellation, highlighting that many of those developers had worked with him closely for over 20 years, calling them some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in the industry.

Firor extended his gratitude to the team and community behind The Elder Scrolls Online. He admitted that he now enjoys looking at the project from the perspective of a regular player, free from a leadership role, and finds special joy in this experience. He noted that the community of TESO remains one of the friendliest in online gaming.

Regarding future endeavors, Firor has not yet made any definitive decisions. Currently, he is informally advising various projects and startups while also investing in select initiatives. In conclusion, he expressed support for his industry colleagues, acknowledging that these are challenging times but reassured that the situation will improve.

“As we approach the end of 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to reconnect and provide an update. I am immensely grateful to everyone who reached out with words of support following my departure from ZeniMax Online last July. It’s hard to express just how thankful I am for the wave of encouragement I received from friends and colleagues in the gaming industry.

To address the most common question directly: I am not actively involved in any projects launched by former ZOS employees. Occasionally, I provide informal guidance to some of these teams, but I am not leading them. They are in capable hands with their leaders, and I am eager to see what they accomplish.

Now, regarding the second most asked question — the reasons behind my departure from ZOS. The most obvious explanation is indeed the correct one. Project Blackbird was a game I had long anticipated and wanted to create throughout my career, and its cancellation led to my decision to leave. My thoughts and support are always with those team members affected by this outcome. Many of them have been my colleagues for over 20 years, and they are incredibly dedicated and talented developers, among the best in the industry.

I can’t fully articulate my respect and gratitude, both to the The Elder Scrolls Online development team and the players who together foster one of the friendliest and warmest communities in online gaming. I have successfully transitioned from being a part of the first group to enjoying the game as an ordinary, anonymous community member, which is refreshing and genuinely enjoyable. May both sides continue to thrive for many years to come.

What lies ahead for me? Honestly, I’m still uncertain. I’m not completely stepping away: I am currently informally advising a few projects and startups and have invested in several small teams that I believe will play a significant role in the industry’s future. However, I haven’t seriously considered starting a new studio yet.

Once again, thank you to everyone for the kind words and for staying in touch. I’m sure we will cross paths again at industry conferences and other events. Stay strong! Times are tough now, but they will get better.

It’s time to turn the page on 2025. I wish everyone a safe, happy, and successful 2026!