Extremely OK Games, the studio behind the acclaimed 2018 platformer Celeste, has officially discontinued its ambitious "2D explor-action" project, Earthblade. Initially announced in 2021 with much anticipation, this side-scrolling adventure game was set to blend combat and exploration elements. Despite early excitement and a planned 2024 release, internal challenges led to its cancellation. The decision came after a period of reflection on the project's progress and creative direction. Studio director Maddy Thorson shared insights into the reasons behind this difficult choice, highlighting issues related to intellectual property rights and the pressure to surpass previous successes.

Challenges Within the Team

The cancellation of Earthblade was influenced by significant internal disagreements within Extremely OK Games. A major factor was a dispute over the ownership rights of their earlier hit, Celeste. This disagreement created tension between key members of the team, leading to the departure of Pedro Medeiros, one of the founding members. After resolving the conflict through a challenging process, the remaining team members had to reassess whether continuing with Earthblade was the right path. They found that the project, despite its potential, had not progressed as expected due to prolonged development delays.

Studio director Maddy Thorson revealed that the issue with IP rights was eventually settled, but it resulted in Medeiros leaving the project. This pivotal event prompted the team to critically evaluate the state of Earthblade. While the game showed promise, its development had been slower than anticipated. Thorson and Noel Berry also reflected on their daily experience working on the project, acknowledging that it had become increasingly difficult over time. The immense pressure to outdo Celeste contributed significantly to the strain, making the work environment less enjoyable. Thorson emphasized that while Medeiros was not at fault, his departure provided clarity about the team's direction and allowed them to admit defeat gracefully.

A New Chapter for Extremely OK Games

Following the cancellation of Earthblade, the remaining members of Extremely OK Games have shifted their focus towards smaller-scale projects. Thorson and Berry aim to rediscover the joy and simplicity of game development by returning to prototyping and exploring new ideas at their own pace. This change reflects their desire to recapture the spirit that fueled their earlier successes like Celeste and TowerFall. By taking a step back, they hope to regain the passion and creativity that once defined their work.

Thorson concluded by expressing mixed emotions about the cancellation but ultimately felt a sense of relief. The team now plans to embrace a fresh start, learning from past experiences and focusing on creating games that bring them genuine happiness. This approach promises to lead them toward innovative and fulfilling projects in the future. As they move forward, Extremely OK Games aims to reconnect with the roots of their creative process and explore new possibilities with renewed enthusiasm.