Fallout 5is reportedly the reason ZeniMax Online Studios canceled its latest MMORPG, code-namedBlackbird, according to a new report from a well-known Microsoft insider. While this isn’t the first time that this particular source has made this claim, they have now doubled down on it with some additional details on how exactly the fifth mainlineFalloutgame impacted ZeniMax’s recent plans.
The rumor comes from Jez Corden, who has a years-long track record of Microsoft-related scoops. During a mid-July 2025 episode of the Xbox Two Podcast, Corden reported thatBethesda had recently “fully greenlit"Fallout 5, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The insider added that this turn of events also led to the cancellation ofProject Blackbird, an unannounced MMORPG in development at Bethesda sister company ZeniMax Online Studios.
Four days later, a July 18 episode of the Xbox Two Podcast saw Corden double down on theclaim thatFallout 5had been greenlitand caused theBlackbirdcancellation. He characterized his initial statement as an unverified rumor, which is why he chose to mention it on a podcast rather than in a formal report. He now believes he has the necessary confirmation, reportedly stemming from a recent “all-hands meeting” at Microsoft.
Fallout 5 Reportedly Isn’t the Only Reason Blackbird Was Canceled
During the purported gathering, one of the employees directly inquired about the reasons forBlackbird’s cancellation with Microsoft leadership, Corden reports. The response allegedly described the decision as part of a broader effort to “make strategic bets in other areas.” WhileFallout 5was not mentioned by name, the timing of the meeting has led Corden to believe the project influenced the cancellation, as Microsoft aimed to reallocate resources toward its most promising projects. As such,Fallout 5ostensibly wasn’t the sole reasonBlackbirdwas supposedly canceled, even though it was likely a significant contributor.
Multiple Fallout Games Are Reportedly in the Works Right Now
At the end of the day, a new IP in the crowded MMORPG market likeBlackbirdis a significant risk, especially when compared to backing a mainlineFalloutinstallment amid the franchise’s peak popularity, boosted by Amazon’s massively successful TV adaptation.Fallout 5is not the only series entry currently believed to be in the pipeline, with a separate July 2025 reportclaiming Bethesda presently has multipleFalloutgames in the works. One of them is the allegedFallout 3remaster, which may be handled externally, similar to the Virtuos-developedThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.
Fallout 5 Isn’t Coming Anytime Soon
Fallout 5, however, is expected to be developed by Bethesda itself. The studio itself iscurrently focused onThe Elder Scrolls 6, which has been in active production since around the timeStarfieldwent gold in 2023. With modern AAA dev cycles being five years long at a minimum, the chances ofFallout 5materializing before 2033 appear slim.
