ZeniMax Online Axed Their MMORPG To Free Resources For Fallout 5, Which Is Now Greenlit

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Bethesda Might Not Take Lead On Fallout 5!

Story Highlight
  • ZeniMax Online’s MMORPG is said to be shelved to divert resources towards Fallout 5.
  • Fallout 5 is fully greenlit and might not be developed under Bethesda.
  • Multiple entries in the franchise are being made, including a potential Fallout 3 Remaster, as per reports.

Earlier this month, we saw massive changes under Microsoft that severely impacted Xbox, resulting in a mass wave of layoffs and project cancellations. The MMORPG codenamed project ‘Blackbird’ was supposed to be a Destiny-esque shooter under development for more than 7 years before being axed.

Despite looking ambitious enough that Xbox execs had to pull the controller from Phil Spencer’s hands while playing the game, Blackbird’s security wasn’t guaranteed. Now, a new report has emerged stating that the title was cancelled to free up resources for the upcoming Fallout 5, which has been fully greenlit.

Why it matters: Cancelling an ambitious title this late into development would never be feasible under any conditions. Microsoft should’ve taken the project to the end, especially if they spent over 7 years and potentially millions of dollars on it.

As stated by Jez Corden in the latest Xbox Two Podcast, Blackbird was doing really well before its cancellation. According to Jez, MMOs are pretty expensive to make, and their competition eventually led to Blackbird being shelved.

Going back to the topic at hand, Fallout 5 might not also be under development at Bethesda. The team is currently working on The Elder Scrolls 6, so they don’t have any room for another project.

While Obsidian Entertainment may be another worthy developer, their hands are also full with other projects. As such, Xbox may find another studio or form one for the next Fallout game.

The Elder Scrolls 5
Former Bethesda Dev Voices His Concerns About The Elder Scrolls 6

Moreover, Fallout 5 isn’t the only game in the franchise underway. Previous reports have hinted at multiple Fallout games under development, including a potential Fallout 3 Remaster, although it may be a while until we learn more about these games.

Similar to Oblivion Remastered, a Fallout 3 Remaster will keep fans satisfied till Fallout 5 is developed, which isn’t expected till five more years or till The Elder Scrolls 6 drops.

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think Microsoft should’ve seen Blackbird till the end? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

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