Xbox One exclusive Scalebound was officially cancelled as of Jan. 9. Microsoft announced the cancellation as a result of Scalebound sitting in development purgatory. Via Eurogamer, Microsoft released a statement about the cancellation:
“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. For more information on our 2017 plans, please visit: http://bit.ly/2i1E5bV.”
Originally announced during the Xbox press conference at E3 2014, Scalebound was a highly anticipated game directed by Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya of Platinum Games. The cancellation comes as a disappointment but not by surprise.
According to Engadget, Scalebound became a “heavy workload.” In fact, the report revealed several senior developers were “forced” to take time off from the project. However, this obviously resulted in delays on the development side. Deadlines and performance issues are at the forefront of whether a game will be ready in time. And when these stressful components fall on an overworked team, it’s no surprise the project would eventually fail.
As of right now, traces of Scalebound have been removed from the internet by Microsoft including gameplay trailers and even the official website. While still believed to own its IP, Platinum Games still has screenshots and Scalebound’s trailer on its site, here.
Scalebound was a Xbox One exclusive following a teenager named Drew and his dragon Thuban through an action-based fantasy RPG mix. Side by side, Drew and Thuban are essentially one forming an inseparable bond. Here is the full description of Scalebound via Platinum Games’ website.
“Scalebound is the latest great adventure from renowned PlatinumGames director Hideki Kamiya. Embark on an epic and dangerous journey across a faraway land like none you’ve ever seen. There, you’ll encounter ground-shakingly massive beasts, and meet the only being that can stand against their overwhelming stampede: the last living member of a sacred race – a dragon. You and your dragon are this world’s final hope. Only your bond can save Draconis.”
As we wave goodbye of what could’ve been, check out some screenshots of Scalebound.
