Ex-Elder Scrolls Online and Project Blackbird developers launch Sackbird Studios

On Oct. 8, 2025, Sackbird Studios, a game development studio comprising former Elder Scrolls Online and Project Blackbird developers, announced its formation. The studio published a press release highlighting its goals and plans for the future.

“After years in AAA, we wanted the freedom to take smart risks without waiting for a greenlight or chasing quarterly targets,” said Sackbird Studios chief operating officer David Worley. He previously worked at ZeniMax Online Studios as its principal tools engineer.

He added that the studio is going to be “fully employee-owned and funded, which means we only answer to people who are passionate about games.” The studio’s CEO, Lee Ridout, said, “When I learned that Blackbird was being cancelled and a lot of people were losing their jobs, it lit a fire. We realized the best way to protect our craft—and our team—was to create a studio where creative independence isn’t negotiable.” He previously worked at ZeniMax Online Studios as its studio director of product management, e-commerce.

The press release says that the studio currently has fewer than 10 developers. While the developers said that the studio will be self-funded, they did not say for how long.

The developers also confirmed that they are currently developing a game for PC and consoles but will only share more when the game is ready.