Why Wasn’t Dead Cells 2 Released?
Dead Cells, a legend in the indie game world, has been one of the most beloved examples of the roguelike genre since its release in 2018. However, the question “When is the second one coming?” has remained unanswered for years. Developer studio Motion Twin has instead focused on an entirely new project called Windblown instead of the anticipated sequel. So why a different universe and not Dead Cells 2?
Motion Twin Followed Its Heart Instead of Dead Cells 2
In an interview, Motion Twin’s co-creative director Yannick Berthier explained that the team’s decision was entirely an emotional one. “If we were a commercially minded company, we’d be talking about Dead Cells 2 right now,” Berthier said, emphasizing the studio’s small but independent team. At Motion Twin, nearly every developer is a partner in the company, allowing them to make instinctive decisions.
Berthier stated that after years of working on the same game, they wanted to try something new. “The success of Dead Cells gave us creative freedom,” says the developer, describing Windblown as “a much brighter, more colorful, and more collaborative universe.” While the game has experienced some challenges in early access, it continues to evolve thanks to feedback from the community.
If the team had been affiliated with a major publisher or under pressure from investors, they would likely have been forced to make Dead Cells 2. However, thanks to Motion Twin’s cooperative structure, no one felt pressured to do so. “We see comments on every post asking, ‘So, when is Dead Cells 2?’” Berthier says, “but this is our reality.”
Windblown is a result of the freedom born from Dead Cells’ success. The team is now focused on building new worlds and testing different ideas. “We can’t completely shape our future, but we can determine its direction,” Berthier says, summarizing the studio’s goal. While the absence of Dead Cells 2 may seem like a loss, this decision is the best proof that Motion Twin has maintained its creative independence.
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