Dishonored creators reveal cancelled Blade Runner game project
(Courtesy : Arkane Studios)
Arkane Studio’s crazy project got cancelled!
Arkane Studios is best known worldwide for the highly critically acclaimed Dishonored, Prey and their recent project Marvel’s Blade. Recently, new comments from the studio’s former leadership have revealed some pretty interesting things.
It appears that the studio was pretty close to developing a game based on the iconic Blade Runner universe. Let’s check out some more details in this article.
Bethesda wanted Arcane Studios to work on Thief or Blade Runner
Before it was cancelled, the project moved beyond the concept phase and paved the way for Dishonored to be developed, said Arkane founder Raphael Colantonio and Dishonored co-director Harvey Smith.
Colantonio also revealed that the publisher Bethesda Softworks has offered the studio an opportunity to pitch the ideas for either a new Blade Runner game or a sequel to the beloved stealth franchise Thief.
During that time, the studio was still searching for its next major project and developed concepts for both properties.
Neither of these projects was greenlit, but the Blade Runner adaptation reportedly advanced beyond the simple brainstorming and also entered a detailed planning stage.
According to the former developers, their team created a narrative pitch and explored gameplay systems that would have perfectly fit within the Blade Runner universe.
In addition, the developers said they had a bold idea for Thief 4, which Colantonio personally wanted to pursue, as well. The two projects were, however, never realised, and the company was left with no licensed project to build.
How was Dishonored born?
Following the cancellation of both projects, the studio was worried that the publisher might lose interest in working with the studio.
Instead of this, Bethesda encouraged the studio to continue developing its original immersive sim project. Later, it became Dishonored, which is undoubtedly the studio’s most successful and influential title.
This game was released in 2012 and was highly praised for its stealth mechanics, player freedom, rich, detailed world and further sequels cemented the studio’s reputation as one of the industry’s premier immersive sim developers.
Did Arkane Studios really work on a Blade Runner game?
Yes. According to former Arkane leaders Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith, the studio developed concepts and story ideas for a Blade Runner game before it was ultimately canceled.
What happened to Arkane’s Blade Runner game?
The project was never fully approved and eventually fell through, along with Arkane’s proposed Thief sequel.
How far did the Blade Runner project progress?
The project reportedly moved beyond the concept stage and included detailed story pitches and gameplay ideas before development was halted.
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.