Laid-Off Xbox Devs Launch Hijinks High to Cause School Chaos

The gaming landscape can be a rollercoaster, and the recent announcement of Hijinks High is a testament to that. Born from the ashes of studio closures and layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, a team of experienced developers has regrouped under the banner of Sackbird Studios. Their first project, Hijinks High, is set to unleash a wave of digital mayhem on PC, inviting players to embrace their inner high school menace.

This online co-op experience, designed for up to six players, thrusts participants into a single, chaotic school day. The objective? To cause as much ruckus as humanly possible and earn the title of the ultimate school troublemaker. The gameplay promises a mix of emergent missions and player-driven shenanigans, ranging from the absurdly gross – think strategically placed bathroom deposits – to elaborate booby traps. The game doesn't shy away from consequences, either; "dares" can lead to simulated bodily injury, requiring a trip to the virtual hospital, and players will even need to manage their character's basic bodily needs, including peeing, concussions, and stomachaches. "Stack illnesses and make huge parts of the school uninhabitable, or manage your resources wisely to avoid that warm, sticky feeling," reads a line from the game's description, hinting at the depth of its simulation.

A New Beginning for Developers

Sackbird Studios was officially announced in October 2025, with the team emphasizing their commitment to creative independence. Having spent years in the AAA space, they sought an environment free from the pressures of quarterly targets and corporate approvals. "After years in AAA, we wanted the freedom to take smart risks without waiting for a greenlight or chasing quarterly targets," said Sackbird Studios chief creative officer David Worley in a statement. "We’re fully employee-owned and funded, which means we only answer to people who are passionate about games." This self-funded, employee-owned model allows them to pursue "bold, character-driven experiences free from corporate compromises," a stark contrast to their previous work on projects like the canceled MMO, Project Blackbird, at ZeniMax Online Studios.

Embrace the Chaos

For fans who grew up with sandbox games that rewarded emergent gameplay and creative problem-solving, Hijinks High presents a compelling proposition. The idea of teaming up with friends to orchestrate elaborate pranks and cause widespread pandemonium within a meticulously simulated high school environment taps into a universal desire for playful rebellion. The developers' background in AAA, coupled with their stated goal of making "bold, character-driven experiences," suggests that Hijinks High might offer more than just superficial mayhem. The focus on managing player needs and environmental consequences could lead to surprisingly deep and humorous emergent narratives, making each playthrough a unique story of schoolyard anarchy.

What's Next

Hijinks High is currently available to wishlist on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. While no specific release date or pricing information has been announced yet, this initial reveal is a promising sign for players eager to cause some serious trouble.