Developers react to sudden MMORPG cancellation: 'Microsoft took our future'

ZeniMax Online Studios United has issued a statement regarding the cancellation of its MMORPG that was in development at the studio, saying that Microsoft has stolen a future from not only the developers but also the community that will never experience the "amazing game" the team was working on.

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The cancellation of ZeniMax Online Studios' new game was part of Microsoft's latest round of layoffs, where the company let go of as many as 9,000 employees from various companies under its expansive umbrella. The layoffs were announced on July 2 by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who discussed the positive future of Microsoft's gaming division, while simultaneously several titles were cancelled, such as Everwild, the Perfect Dark reboot, and ZeniMax Online Studios' new MMORPG that Spencer really enjoyed.

According to ZeniMax Online Studios United, the cancellation of the title came without warning from Microsoft. In a post to Bluesky, the ZeniMax Online Studios United union, formed in January 2023, and represents Quality Assurance workers at the studio, wrote, "Earlier this month, Microsoft indefinitely shelved an unannounced MMORPG at ZeniMax Online Studios, a shock to the 222 ZOSU-CWA developers working on the project. It has been heartening and validating to see our game mentioned in the press and by players who would have loved to see the results of our work."

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Adding, "Undoubtedly, a future has been stolen from many of us, and our community will never experience an amazing game. However, despite discussions regarding the status of our employment, the fact is: we have not yet been laid off."

The post continued, and the union stated that it understands "for most of us something like a layoff is inevitable," but the formation of the union has resulted in the blow being somewhat mitigated for employees, as resources have been distributed among the most impacted workers, along with information. Moreover, the union is currently negotiating with Microsoft.

"Where Microsoft has failed to support the talented craftspeople who have generated billions in revenue, our union has stepped up to provide clarity and support. It is true that a layoff may be in the future for some of our members. However, as a result of our organizing, we are able to ensure that those impacted will be able to depart with dignity."

"While Microsoft and ZOSU-CWA bargain over how we move forward following the project closure, the developers behind the unannounced project remain employees of ZeniMax Online Studios with full pay and benefits."