Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive Scalebound has been canceled, Microsoft has announced via a press release. The confirmation comes following reports from Kotaku and Eurogamer that stated the project was struggling to stay afloat, with sources telling the latter that the ambitious RPG had been experiencing troubles ever since several “senior members” had taken a leave of absence due to the stress of working on the title.
The statement released by Microsoft (via IGN) reads as follows:
After careful deliberation, Microsoft Studios has come to the decision to end production for Scalebound. We’re working hard to deliver an amazing lineup of games to our fans this year, including Halo Wars 2, Crackdown 3, State of Decay 2, Sea of Thieves and other great experiences.
Disappointing news indeed, not just for anyone who had been following the game’s hype since its announcement back at Microsoft’s 2014 E3 conference, but for Platinum Games, too. For those unaware, Hideki Kamiya (of Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta and Devil May Cry fame) had been in the director’s chair for Scalebound and given his pedigree for action-oriented titles, the lost potential here could be massive. As is the case with these things, though, it’s unlikely we’ll ever be privy to the bigger picture as to why Scalebound was canned. There could be light at the end of the tunnel, though – assuming Platinum owns the IP, that is.
According to IGN, when asked who owned the rights to the name, a Microsoft spokesperson simply replied with “we do not comment on the details of our business agreements with partners.” Unfortunately, it seems like we may never discover the story behind protagonist Drew and his dragon companion Thuban, and that leaves us with a hefty dose of sadness. But what are your thoughts on Scalebound‘s cancellation? Let us know where you stand in the comments section below.
