In a recent interview with IGN, PlatinumGames’ leaders Atsushi Inaba and Hideki Kamiya discuss their interest in reviving Scalebound.
Kamiya, the game’s former director, states that he’d love nothing more than to revive the project. However, he acknowledges that the ball is ultimately in Microsoft’s court.
We did a lot of work on it, and it’s no use Microsoft keeping the game in its current form, so we’d like to do something about it. Phil! Let’s do it together!
Hideki Kamiya
Microsoft, Scalebound’s publisher, cancelled the project in 2017 due to development difficulties faced by PlatinumGames. Although Microsoft took the brunt of fan criticism, Kamiya accepts full responsibility for the game’s eventual failure. In a video with Cutscenes on YouTube, he adds that Scalebound was a challenge PlatinumGames wasn’t ready for at the time.
We were working in an environment we weren’t used to. We were developing on the Unreal Engine. And we also lacked the necessary know-how to build a game based on online features.
Hideki Kamiya
The rocky downfall and uncertain future of Scalebound
Microsoft and PlatinumGames first announced their partnership for the action RPG Scalebound in 2014. The game would have been an Xbox exclusive titled that starred a headphone-wearing hero and his dragon sidekick. The game also would have featured PlatinumGames’ iconic hack-and-slash action within a beautiful scenic open world. Did I mention there was going to be a dubstep soundtrack?
Unfortunately, the problems PlatinumGames faced working in unfamiliar territory led to the project’s eventual halt. However, both Inaba and Kamiya want to re-open the discussion with Microsoft. Now, it’s up to Xbox boss Phil Spencer to decide Scalebound’s fate.
Looking ahead to other PlatinumGames titles
In the meantime, PlatinumGames fans have two different upcoming titles to look forward to: Bayonetta 3 and Babylon’s Fall. In fact, some mechanics from Scalebound may even be repurposed for Bayonetta’s third outing!
What PlatinumGames title has you most excited? Also, do you think Scalebound will ever see the light of day? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Via PC Gamer
