In a disappointing blow to fans of the original Outriders, developer People Can Fly has confirmed the cancellation of Outriders 2 one of two major projects the studio recently shelved. This unexpected news comes amid a wave of upheaval for the Polish developer, which has also announced significant layoffs and restructuring.
The Fate of Outriders 2 – Codenamed “Project Gemini”
Outriders 2 was reportedly deep into development, with insiders revealing the game was close to completion before being abruptly cancelled. The sequel, internally known as Project Gemini, was highly anticipated, especially after the original game ended on a cliffhanger that left many questions unanswered. Fans had been eagerly awaiting a follow-up that would expand the story and gameplay of the looter shooter, but those hopes have now been dashed.
The cancellation reportedly stemmed from complications with the game’s publisher, Square Enix. Issues such as a lack of clear publishing agreements and financial concerns contributed to the decision to pull the plug. People Can Fly has not provided extensive public details but has acknowledged the challenges they faced during the project.
Another Project Cancelled – “Project Bifrost”
Alongside Outriders 2, People Can Fly also cancelled a VR title internally called Project Bifrost, which was intended to be self-published. The studio’s decision to scrap both projects resulted in layoffs affecting roughly 50 employees, marking a difficult period of transition.
What’s Next for People Can Fly?
Despite the setbacks, People Can Fly remains active in the gaming industry with several ongoing projects. The studio is collaborating with major companies such as Microsoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Krafton. Notably, People Can Fly is co-developing Gears of War: E-Day alongside The Coalition, which promises to bring their signature gameplay expertise to the beloved franchise.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
The cancellation of Outriders 2 has been met with disappointment across the community, with many fans expressing frustration at the unresolved storyline and lost potential. The abrupt nature of the decision highlights the volatility of the video game industry, where even nearly completed projects can be halted due to behind-the-scenes complications.
For People Can Fly, this marks a challenging chapter, but their ongoing partnerships and future projects suggest the studio is working hard to recover and continue delivering memorable gaming experiences.
For more on and all things Gaming be sure to stay locked to 1-Up Games.
1-Up Games 