Un développeur d'Outriders accuse Square Enix de la cancellation du jeu

The recent announcement from People Can Fly marks another significant setback for the studio, underscoring ongoing instability in its development pipeline and financial health. Following the cancellation of two major projects—Project Gemini (a collaboration with Square Enix) and Project Bifrost (an internal title)—the studio has confirmed further workforce reductions, adding to a pattern of downsizing that now spans multiple years.

Key Developments:

• Project Gemini Cancellation:
  Cited as being halted due to the publisher’s failure to deliver a revised agreement covering future milestones, coupled with a lack of communication. While Square Enix has not issued a public statement, internal documentation confirms their involvement, raising questions about the nature of the partnership and whether misaligned expectations or financial commitments played a role.

• Project Bifrost Cancellation:
  Described as a result of both external challenges (from Gemini) and internal financial constraints. The studio’s financial analysis reportedly concluded that continuing Bifrost would not be viable without additional investment, which was unavailable.

• Leadership Statement:
  CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski expressed deep regret over the decision, emphasizing the team’s dedication and thanking departing employees. His tone reflects the emotional and professional toll of repeated restructuring.

• Workforce Impact:
  This follows a prior layoff of 120 employees in late 2023, suggesting that People Can Fly has undergone substantial restructuring in under 18 months. The cumulative effect has likely weakened morale, talent retention, and long-term development capacity.

• Ongoing Projects:
  Despite the turmoil, the studio continues several partnerships:

  • Project Echo with Krafton (likely tied to Bluehole or Dauntless universe)
  • Project Delta with Sony (potential new IP or expansion)
  • Gears of War: E-Day with Microsoft (a standalone expansion to the Gears franchise)

• Latest Release:
  Bulletstorm VR, a VR-enhanced reboot of the cult-classic shooter, remains a notable achievement. Its release on Meta Quest and PSVR 2 signals a strategic pivot toward immersive, platform-specific experiences—potentially a response to shifting market demands and funding limitations.

Industry Implications:

• Publisher-Studio Tensions: The cancellation of Gemini highlights the fragility of relationships between AAA developers and publishers, especially when contracts, timelines, and communication break down.
• Rising Risk in Development: People Can Fly’s repeated restructuring suggests growing instability in the publisher-supported game development ecosystem, particularly for studios operating on a large scale without full financial autonomy.
• VR as a Strategic Niche: With Bulletstorm VR receiving attention and future projects potentially leaning into VR, the studio may be attempting to carve out a distinct identity amid uncertainty.

Looking Ahead:

While the studio remains active in key partnerships, its long-term sustainability is now in question. Employees, fans, and investors alike will be watching closely to see:

• Whether new leadership or funding will stabilize the studio.
• How the remaining projects (especially E-Day and Delta) are prioritized.
• If there’s a shift toward more sustainable, smaller-scale development.

For now, People Can Fly’s story serves as a cautionary tale of how even creative excellence and strong IP portfolios can falter without stable financial backing and clear publisher commitments.

📌 Bottom Line:
People Can Fly is in survival mode. The cancellations of Gemini and Bifrost are not just business decisions—they are symptoms of deeper systemic challenges. The studio’s ability to rebound will depend on whether it can regain trust, secure reliable partnerships, and find a sustainable path forward.