Celeste developer cancels anticipated platformer game after years of development

Celeste developer cancels anticipated platformer game after years of development

Extremely OK Games Cancels Anticipated Title “Earthblade”

Extremely OK Games, the studio celebrated for its critically acclaimed platformers like Towerfall and Celeste, has called off the development of its much-anticipated game, Earthblade. This announcement has left a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting news in disbelief.

Official Announcement from Maddy Thorson

Maddy Thorson, one of the studio’s founders, conveyed the unexpected decision in a detailed blog post. She expressed understanding of the potential shock this revelation may bring to the community.

“For us on the inside we’ve had some time to process, grieve, and work toward accepting this, although that process is nonlinear and still ongoing,”says Thorson on the developer blog post. “For those only reading this now who might be emotionally invested in this project, we’re sorry to disappoint you.”

Challenges During Development

The journey toward creating Earthblade was fraught with challenges. One key complication arose when Pedro, a co-founder of Extremely OK Games, departed to establish his own independent team. This split was reportedly linked to disputes around the intellectual property rights of Celeste, forcing the remaining team to reassess their plans for Earthblade.

Timeline of Earthblade’s Development

Starting its development in 2019, Earthblade was designed as a 2D Metroidvania platformer. Originally unveiled in 2021, it garnered attention during its trailer showcase at The Game Awards in 2022. Fans had high hopes for a 2023 release, which was subsequently pushed to 2024. However, with the cancellation, the future of this project is now uncertain.

The Weight of Expectations

Thorson elaborated on the pressure stemming from Celeste’s success, explaining that it created enormous expectations for Earthblade. This stress was noted as a significant factor contributing to the exhausting development experience.

“Because this is the internet, I want to be unequivocal here that the decision and responsibility for cancelling Earthblade rests entirely with me and Noel.”

Looking Ahead

In light of this cancellation, Thorson revealed that Extremely OK Games will redirect its focus toward smaller-scale projects, suggesting a shift in both strategy and creative exploration for the studio moving forward.

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