Extremely OK Games – the studio behind the beloved 2018 platformer Celeste – has revealed the cancellation of its “2D explor-action” project Earthblade, describing the news as a “massive, heartbreaking, and yet relieving failure.”
Earthblade Project: A Brief Overview
Extremely OK initially introduced Earthblade in 2021, teasing fans with mood-setting artwork and a musical snippet. A full reveal came a year and a half later, showcasing a side-scrolling platformer that combined combat and exploration elements, centered around an “enigmatic child of Fate returning at long last to Earth.”
Originally set for release in 2024, the project faced delays, with the team assuring fans that progress was still ongoing despite setbacks.
Earthblade Cancellation: The Reasons
In a detailed post on the Extremely OK website, studio director Maddy Thorson delved into the factors that led to Earthblade’s cancellation. These included a disagreement over the IP rights of Celeste, with Thorson and Noel Berry on one side and studio “founding member” Pedro Medeiros on the other.
After a challenging process, the issue was resolved, but it ultimately led to Medeiros’ departure from the project. This departure prompted the remaining team members to reevaluate the project’s future.
Reflecting on the Decision
Thorson shared that the team realized the project, while promising, was not as far along in development as expected. The pressure to deliver a game following Celeste’s success had taken its toll, making working on Earthblade a struggle.
Despite the difficult decision, Thorson emphasized that the split with Medeiros provided clarity and the opportunity to move forward.
The Future of Extremely OK Games
With Earthblade officially canceled, the team members have moved on. Thorson and Berry plan to leverage the lessons learned from the project and refocus on smaller-scale endeavors, aiming to rediscover the joy in their creative process.
Returning to their roots, the duo is excited about exploring new projects at their own pace and rekindling their passion for game development.
FAQs
Q: Why was Earthblade canceled?
A: The cancellation stemmed from a disagreement over IP rights and the project’s development challenges following Celeste’s success.
Q: What are the future plans for Extremely OK Games?
A: The team plans to focus on smaller-scale projects and rediscover the joy in their creative process.
Credit: www.eurogamer.net
