Celeste Devs Ditch Follow-up After Studio Implosion: A Fresh Start Awaits

The Cancellation of Earthblade: A Developer’s Journey
Extremely OK Games, the indie developer behind the critically acclaimed Celeste, has announced the cancellation of their much-anticipated 2D platformer, Earthblade. This decision comes as a shock to fans, especially considering the team’s dedication and hard work. But what drove this choice?
The Turning Point
A disagreement over the IP rights of Celeste was the catalyst that led to this decision. While the team tried to work out their differences, it became apparent that it was time to move on. Art director Pedro Medeiros departed the team in November and has since begun working on his own project, Neverway.
A Complex Path Forward
However, the game’s cancellation was not solely attributed to this dispute. The developers realized that working on Earthblade had become exhaustive, with pressures to deliver a bigger and better game. Even with a small team, Extremely OK Games couldn’t shake the feeling that they had lost their way.
Lessons Learned
In retrospect, the split with Medeiros has brought clarity to the team. Lead developers Maddy Thorson and Noel Berry can now admit defeat and refocus on smaller-scale projects. With a fresh slate, they are prototyping new ideas and embracing a more free-form approach, reminiscent of Celeste’s earlier days.
The Road Ahead
Extremely OK Games acknowledges that the failure of Earthblade is a step back, but they see this as an opportunity to rediscover their passion and creative process. The team aims to create a new identity and style, away from the heavy expectations that accompanied Earthblade’s development.
As fans of indie games, it’s essential to remember that developer struggles are all too real. While the cancellation of Earthblade is a disappointing outcome, the lessons learned from this experience can lead to remarkable growth and innovations in the industry.
Bullet Points: Key Takeaways
• Disagreement over IP rights led to the departure of Pedro Medeiros and other team members
• Earthblade’s cancellation is attributed to exhausting development and unrealized expectations
• Extremely OK Games is moving forward with small-scale projects, focusing on personal growth and innovation
• Lessons learned from the experience will contribute to the growth of the studio and the game development community
[Image of Earthblade artwork]