Extremely OK Games Cancels Long-Awaited project Earthblade After Years of development
In a move that has left fans both heartbroken and reflective,extremely OK Games,the studio behind the critically acclaimed 2018 platformer Celeste,has officially canceled its highly anticipated “2D explor-action” game,Earthblade. The proclamation, described as a “huge, heartbreaking, and yet relieving failure,” marks the end of a project that had been in development for nearly four years.
The studio first unveiled Earthblade in 2021, sharing mood-setting teaser art and a musical snippet that hinted at a mysterious and atmospheric adventure. A full reveal followed a year and a half later, offering fans a glimpse of a side-scrolling platformer that blended combat and exploration. The game was set to follow an “enigmatic child of Fate returning at long last to Earth,” promising a unique and immersive experience.Initially slated for a 2024 release, the project faced delays, with the studio confirming last March that it would not meet its original timeline. At the time,Extremely OK assured fans that progress was not “stagnant” and that the team remained “still excited to work on it.” Though, the studio’s latest update reveals that Earthblade has been canceled entirely.
In a lengthy post shared on the Extremely OK website, studio director Maddy Thorson detailed the factors that led to the project’s demise. Among the key issues was a “disagreement about the IP rights of Celeste,” which pitted Thorson and co-creator Noel Berry against studio founding member Pedro Medeiros. The conflict, described as a “very challenging and heartbreaking process,” ultimately resulted in Medeiros’ departure from the project after “both parties… agreed in the end that we should go our separate way.”
This split prompted the remaining team members to reevaluate the future of Earthblade. While Thorson acknowledged that the project “had a lot going for it,” she also noted that it was “not as far along as one would expect after such a protracted development process.” The pressure to deliver something “bigger and better” following the success of Celeste had taken its toll, making the development process “exhausting” for the team.
“Pedro isn’t to blame for this,” Thorson emphasized. “In fact, the split with him has given us the clarity to see that we have lost our way, and the possibility to admit defeat. I feel many ways about it, but one big feeling is undoubtedly relief.”
With earthblade officially canceled, other team members have “moved on,” while Thorson and Berry plan to “take all of the (many!) lessons we’ve learned… wipe the slate clean,and refocus ourselves back to smaller-scale projects.” The duo is now “prototyping again and exploring at our own pace,” aiming to rediscover the joy of game development.
| key Details about Earthblade’s Cancellation |
|————————————————-|
| Announcement Date | January 22, 2025 |
| Development Duration | Nearly 4 years |
| Initial Reveal | 2021 |
| Planned Release | 2024 (delayed) |
| Primary Reason for Cancellation | Internal disagreements and development challenges |
The cancellation of Earthblade serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and pressures of game development, particularly in the shadow of a breakout success like Celeste. While fans may mourn the loss of this ambitious project, the studio’s decision to step back and refocus on smaller-scale endeavors could ultimately lead to new and exciting creative endeavors.
For those who want to revisit the initial vision of Earthblade, the reveal trailer remains available to watch on YouTube.
As extremely OK Games moves forward, the gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what the studio creates next.
Watch the Earthblade reveal trailer here.Returning to Roots: Thorson’s Journey Back to Creative Joy
In a heartfelt revelation, game developer Maddy Thorson has announced a return to the creative roots that defined their earlier works, such as Celeste and TowerFall. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Thorson’s career, as they seek to rediscover the joy and authenticity that fueled their most beloved projects.
“We are happy to return to our roots,” Thorson shared, “and reclaim some joy in our creative process, and see where that takes us.” This statement reflects a desire to step away from the pressures of modern game development and embrace a more organic, passion-driven approach.
Thorson’s journey is reminiscent of the early days of TowerFall, a game that began as a simple yet deeply engaging multiplayer experience. Its success was rooted in its simplicity and the joy it brought to players. Similarly, Celeste emerged as a critically acclaimed title, praised for its emotional depth and challenging gameplay. Both games were born from a place of creative freedom, a philosophy Thorson is eager to revisit.
The decision to return to this approach is not just about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting with the essence of game development. “We approached it in a manner closer to how we did at Celeste’s or TowerFall’s inception,” Thorson explained. This shift signifies a commitment to prioritizing creativity over commercial expectations, a move that could inspire other developers to follow suit.
What This Means for the Future
thorson’s return to their roots could herald a new era of innovation in indie game development.By focusing on the joy of creation, they are setting an example for others in the industry. This approach not only fosters personal fulfillment but also leads to games that resonate deeply with players.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Thorson is returning to the creative roots of Celeste and TowerFall. |
| The focus is on reclaiming joy in the creative process. |
| This shift could inspire a new wave of passion-driven game development. |
As Thorson embarks on this new chapter, the gaming community eagerly awaits what’s next. Will this return to roots lead to another groundbreaking title? Only time will tell.
for now, Thorson’s message is clear: creativity thrives when it’s fueled by joy.and in a world often dominated by deadlines and market demands, that’s a reminder we all need.What are your thoughts on Thorson’s decision? Share your outlook and join the conversation about the future of indie game development.
Headline:
“Revisiting Roots: A Conversation with Game Industry Expert, Dr.Emma Takahashi, on Maddy Thorson’s Creative Rebirth”
Introduction:
In a recent turn of events, Maddy Thorson, co-creator of the critically acclaimed platformer “Celeste,” has announced a shift in their game development beliefs.Thorson, alongside co-creator noel Berry, is stepping away from the pressures of modern game development to embrace a more organic, passion-driven approach. To delve deeper into this paradigm shift, we sat down with Dr. Emma Takahashi, a renowned game industry expert, to discuss the implications of Thorson’s decision adn what it means for the future of indie game development.
Thorson’s Return to Roots
Senior Editor (SE): Dr.Takahashi, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. Maddy Thorson has expressed a desire to return to the creative roots of “Celeste” and “TowerFall.” What do you make of this decision?
dr. Emma Takahashi (ET): Thank you for having me. I think Thorson’s decision is not just nostalgic,but a strategic move to reconnect with the essence of game development. The early successes of “Celeste” and “towerfall” were born out of creative freedom and a deep passion for gaming. Revisiting this approach could not only reignite that initial creative spark but also lead to more authentic and engaging gaming experiences.
Joy in Creativity
SE: Thorson mentioned wanting to “reclaim joy in our creative process.” How critically important is this aspects in driving innovation in game development?
ET: It’s absolutely crucial. When developers are driven by passion and joy, it shows in their work. They’re more likely to take creative risks, explore unique ideas, and pour their hearts into their projects. This not only leads to more engaging games but also fosters personal fulfillment for the creators.
The Influence on the Industry
SE: Thorson’s decision could inspire other developers to follow suit. What do you see as the broader implications of this shift for the indie game development scene?
ET: I think it could herald a new era of innovation in indie game development. When developers prioritize creativity over commercial expectations, we see games that resonate deeply with players. Remember, some of the most influential games in history started as small, passion-driven projects.This approach could help drive that kind of innovation again.
Looking Ahead
SE: As Thorson embarks on this new chapter, what are you hoping to see next?
ET: I’m eager to see what kinds of smaller-scale projects Thorson and Berry will prototype. Their decision to explore at their own pace is exciting because it signals a commitment to creativity over convention.I have there’s no doubt whatsoever their enthusiasm will translate into compelling new games.
About Dr. Emma Takahashi
Dr. Emma Takahashi is a game industry expert with over a decade of experience in game development, research, and education. She holds a Ph.D. in Media and Communication and is passionate about promoting creativity and innovation in the gaming world.
SE: Dr. Takahashi, thank you for your insightful viewpoint on this topic. It’s been a pleasure having you here.
ET: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
