Earthblade, a Game by Celeste Devs, Cancelled Due to \"Disagreements\"

The highly anticipated Earthblade, from the creators of Celeste, has been cancelled due to internal team conflicts. This article details the events leading to the game's cancellation.

Internal Disputes Lead to Earthblade's Cancellation

Extremely OK Games (EXOK), the studio behind the acclaimed Celeste, announced the cancellation of Earthblade on their official website. In a post titled "Final Earthblade Update," Director Maddy Thorson explained the reasons behind the decision.

Thorson revealed a significant internal fracture within the team, specifically involving herself, programmer Noel Berry, and former art director Pedro Medeiros. A dispute over the intellectual property rights of Celeste was a central point of contention. While a resolution was reached, it resulted in Medeiros' departure to pursue his own project, Neverway, under a new studio. Thorson emphasized that there are no hard feelings, stating that Medeiros and his team are not the enemy.

Medeiros' departure wasn't the sole reason for cancellation, but it highlighted underlying issues. The game's development was further behind schedule than anticipated, and the pressure to surpass the success of Celeste proved overwhelming for the team. Thorson acknowledged the team's exhaustion and the need to reassess their approach.

EXOK's Future Focus

With a reduced team, EXOK plans to shift towards smaller-scale projects, prioritizing a more sustainable development process. Thorson and Berry are currently prototyping and experimenting, aiming to recapture the creative energy of their earlier work on Celeste and TowerFall. They expressed hope for future collaborations with former team members. The statement concluded on a positive note, emphasizing a return to their roots and a renewed focus on creative joy.

Earthblade was envisioned as an explor-action platformer, following the journey of Névoa, a child of Fate, as they explore a ruined Earth. The cancellation marks a significant setback, but EXOK's future plans suggest a renewed commitment to creative exploration and sustainable game development.