The reason behind the cancellation of Blackbird leaks: everything for Fallout 5

Microsoft would have canceled the new MMORPG from Bethesda to focus on Fallout 5.

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In the midst of Xbox’s internal reorganization and with multiple projects being reevaluated, one of the casualties is Blackbird, an ambitious MMORPG in development by ZeniMax Online. According to journalist Jez Corden of Windows Central, the project was canceled to focus resources on the future of Fallout.

Blackbird had been in development for some time as a new intellectual property, and all indications are that Microsoft considered competing directly with heavy hitters in the genre like World of Warcraft to be too much of a risk. Instead, the company has opted to concentrate its efforts on a franchise with a already established commercial track record.

Microsoft chooses to invest in Fallout 5

Corden explains that the cancellation of Blackbird is directly related to the expansion of the Fallout series:

From what I’ve heard, it was a decision related to the Fallout 5 and Fallout expansion program in general. That’s where they decided to invest and where the funds will translate into a more secure victory.

The journalist also notes that Fallout 5 is already in production, although there are no official details yet on the game’s status or which studio will be handling development. Corden himself clarifies that he doesn’t have enough information to confirm whether Bethesda will be leading the project internally or if a new external team will be formed.

This move reinforces Microsoft’s interest in bolstering well-known franchises with significant commercial impact, especially after the success of Fallout‘s resurgence thanks to the TV series and renewed interest in Fallout 76. While Blackbird seemed like a different proposal, everything points to it not being part of Xbox’s current plans for consolidation and profitability.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for future announcements about Fallout 5, which could become one of the most important projects of the next generation.