Celeste Devs Cancel Metroidvania Game

Image: Extremely OK Games, Ltd.

Earthblade’s Ambitious Journey Hits an Unyielding Wall

From the minds that crafted the 2D wonders TowerFall and Celeste, Earthblade was to be their next masterpiece. Yet, on a brisk Wednesday, Maddy Thorson revealed its quiet cancellation. The curtains have closed, fueled by internal strife and the realization of a development process over-stretched and wearying.

"For us inside, the journey has been long, full of processing and grief," Thorson reflected. This path hasn’t been linear, nor has it reached a definitive end. As they conveyed apologies to fans invested in Earthblade, the message was clear: sometimes dreams fade, no matter how bright they once shone.

A Delayed Dream, Now Extinguished

Earthblade first surfaced back in 2021, announced by the indie visionaries at Extremely OK Games. Its initial gameplay glimpse at The Game Awards 2022 built significant anticipation. Initially, a 2023 release seemed plausible; however, delays pushed expectations into 2024. Hopes, once high, slowly dwindled as development faltered.

In the recent announcement, Thorson cited a rift with pixel artist Pedro Medeiros. Known for defining the visual flair of Celeste, Medeiros departed over disputes regarding Celeste’s IP rights. A resolution was eventually reached, but both sides parted ways professionally. Medeiros has embarked on his own journey, creating Neverway—a game already turning heads.

Struggling Under the Weight of Greatness

Thorson shed light on the demanding path Earthblade treaded. "Celeste’s success burdened us with the need for something grander," Thorson admitted. The pressure of high expectations morphed the project’s joy into exhaustion. "Pedro isn’t at fault," Thorson continued. The separation with Medeiros brought clarity, a moment to acknowledge the team’s struggle. But with this acceptance came the undeniable sense of relief.

As Earthblade fades into what-ifs, Thorson and co-creator Noel Berry have refocused their energies. Together, they sift through prototypes, seeking the next source of inspiration. While the Earthblade dream dissipates, the creative luminaries behind it continue to craft new adventures. For Extremely OK Games, the journey, though momentarily stalled, is far from over.