In a surprising announcement, Extremely OK Games (EXOK), the studio behind Celeste, has officially cancelled its highly anticipated project Earthblade. The news, shared in a blog post by studio head Maddy Thorson, outlines the reasons for the decision and what it means for the future of the studio.
Celeste was widely acclaimed upon its release in 2018, earning multiple Game of the Year nominations and praise for its emotional storytelling, tight platforming mechanics, and iconic pixel art. This success elevated EXOK, making its next project one of the most anticipated by fans and critics.
The Decision to Cancel Earthblade
Development challenges and internal changes led to the cancellation of Earthblade, a 2D platformer originally announced in 2019. The game had aimed to expand on the success of Celeste, combining a pixel art style with Metroidvania-inspired exploration. Despite the team’s efforts, the game’s progress was slower than expected, with Thorson acknowledging that the project had become an exhausting struggle.
One pivotal factor in the decision was the departure of Pedro Medeiros, co-founder of EXOK and art director for Earthblade. A disagreement over the IP rights of Celeste caused a “fracture” within the team, eventually leading Medeiros to leave the studio in late 2024 to work on his own game, Neverway. Thorson and co-creator Noel Berry used this moment as an opportunity to reassess Earthblade’s viability and ultimately decided to cancel the game.
Managing Expectations After Celeste
The success of Celeste created immense expectations for EXOK, making Earthblade’s development a stressful process. “Celeste’s success applied pressure on us to deliver something bigger and better with Earthblade, and that pressure is a large part of why working on it has become so exhausting,” Thorson wrote.
While the game had potential, EXOK concluded that continuing development wasn’t worth the toll it was taking on the team.
A Return to Smaller-Scale Projects
With Earthblade canceled, EXOK is now shifting its focus back to smaller-scale projects. Thorson and Berry aim to rediscover the joy of game development by working on prototypes at their own pace, similar to how they approached their earlier titles, Celeste and TowerFall. Thorson also emphasized the importance of this decision, describing it as an opportunity to “wipe the slate clean” and start fresh.
Looking Ahead
While the cancellation of Earthblade is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, EXOK remains optimistic about its future. The studio hopes to collaborate with its talented team and external partners again in the future, while prioritizing a healthier and more fulfilling creative process. While disappointing, this decision allows EXOK to refocus on creativity and health, paving the way for future successes.
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