<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>Microsoft recently laid off over 9000 employees across its divisions, leading to cancellation of various projects including a game codenamed 'Blackbird' by ZeniMax Online Studios.</li><li>Xbox executives, including Phil Spencer, were impressed with 'Blackbird,' described as a third-person looter-shooter with a 'Blade Runner meets Destiny 2' aesthetic, before its abrupt cancellation.</li><li>The game emphasized vertical movement with abilities like air-dashing, grappling hooks, and wall-climbing for traversing buildings.</li><li>External partners like John Romero's studio, Romero Games, also faced consequences as his next project lost funding due to the cuts.</li></ul>

Xbox Execs Reportedly Raved About ‘Blade Runner Meets Destiny 2’ Loot Shooter Before Canceling It

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