Elder Scrolls Online studio head Matt Firor to step down as new MMORPG cancelled by Microsoft

ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor is leaving the company amid the recent layoffs at Xbox.

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Today, Microsoft conducted layoffs across various divisions including Xbox gaming. Multiple studios were affected by the layoffs, with some like The Initiative being shut down, as well as game cancellations. One game that had been reportedly cancelled was a new MMORPG in the works at ZeniMax Online Studios, the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online.

Following the cancellation of Blackbird, ZeniMax's MMORPG set in a new IP, studio head Matt Firor announced he would be stepping down from a leadership position and leaving the team that he founded nearly two decades ago.

ZeniMax Online Studios will now be run by Joseph Burba, who will be promoted to studio director, with other studio vets like Susan Kath and Rich Lambert contributing. The Elder Scrolls Online remains one of the strongest games in Xbox's lineup with over 26 million players, and it just celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Firor shared his goodbye message to fans on Twitter:

After more than 18 years leading ZeniMax Online Studios, I'll be stepping away later this month.

The studio and The Elder Scrolls Online will be in great hands under the direction of new Studio Head, Jo Burba along with Executive Producer, Susan Kath and Game Director, Rich Lambert.

Together, this leadership team has spearheaded many of ESO's biggest ideas and expansions and will continue to make this game something we're all proud of.

While I won't be working on the game anymore, I will be cheering you on and adding to the thousands of hours I've already spent in-game.

There are many more stories to be told, adventures to be had, and I know this amazing community will carry that shared legacy and success forwards.