A significant shift has occurred within the game development landscape as EXOK Games recently announced the discontinuation of their anticipated project, Earthblade. According to an official statement from Maddy Thorson, the director of research and development at EXOK, a rift emerged within the team early in 2024 concerning intellectual property rights related to Celeste. This internal discord led to several changes in the company's structure and direction.

The departure of Pedro Medeiros, the art director, in November was a pivotal moment that prompted Thorson and Noel Berry, the lead programmer, to reassess the viability of completing Earthblade. "While losing Pedro was not the sole reason for canceling the game, it did spark a critical evaluation of whether continuing with Earthblade was the right decision," explained Thorson. The development process had been prolonged, and despite the promising aspects of the project, progress was slower than expected. The pressure stemming from the success of Celeste added to the strain, making daily development increasingly challenging for the team.

Moving forward, Thorson and Berry have decided to embrace this change as an opportunity for reflection and growth. They acknowledged that the split provided clarity on the direction they had lost and allowed them to recognize when it was time to step back. The duo emphasized that the decision to cancel Earthblade was solely theirs and stressed the importance of maintaining a positive community around EXOK games. With only Thorson and Berry remaining on the team, they are now focusing on smaller-scale projects, returning to the roots of their creative process. "We are prototyping new ideas and exploring at our own pace, aiming to rediscover the joy of game development," Thorson concluded.

This transition marks a fresh start for EXOK Games, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. It underscores the value of stepping back when necessary to reassess and refocus, ensuring future endeavors are built on solid foundations. By embracing this new path, EXOK aims to reignite their passion for game creation while fostering a supportive and innovative environment.