Former ZeniMax employees launch Ironroot Games

Former ZeniMax employees launch Ironroot Games Victims of the purge at ZeniMax Online continue to form new teams: following Sackbird Studios, founded in October 2025, Ironroot Games has now appeared. The team announced its existence in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.

Ironroot CEO and creative director Quentin Cobb talked about how he and his colleagues are still trying to come to terms with the "inhumane" layoffs and the cancellation of Project Blackbird, on which he worked as lead gameplay designer.

Personally, I thought everything was going well and falling into place. It bothers me that you associate your identity with your work. It's hard to shake that. I worked there for almost five years. Everything was gone. Everything disappeared. It was a shock, and to be honest, it was extremely traumatic. Many are still struggling with the aftermath of what happened that day. To say I was stunned is an understatement. It was a difficult day that I will never forget.

Quentin Cobb, Head of Ironroot

Echoing Cobb and Elaine Gomez, he is one of the company's founders, lead game designer, and studio culture leader.

We didn't expect this. We were told that the project was fully funded for its entire duration. Everything was going great. We passed the prototype review with flying colors. Everyone was happy with our work. And then suddenly, right before Thanksgiving 2024, everyone decided, "Hey, guys, let's just rip off the band-aid."

Elaine Gomez, founder of Ironroot