11 bit studios Has Cancelled its Narrative-Driven Console Title Project 8

As a longtime fan of 11 bit studios and their captivating narrative-driven games like Frostpunk and This War of Mine, I find myself both saddened and intrigued by the cancellation of Project 8. The studio’s decision to call off this ambitious project, which was intended as their console debut, feels like a heartrending chapter in a game that never got to be played.

11-bit Studios, the renowned Polish game developer behind titles such as Frostpunk and This War of Mine, has unfortunately decided to shelve a project they’ve been working on for quite some time, which was code-named Project 8.

11-bit Studios announced that they have ceased work on ‘Project 8’, a game they described as rich in narrative and their first for console development. Work on the project began in 2018, growing to involve 37 team members by September 30th, while investments in the project reached PLN 48.4 million ($11.79 million).

11 bit studios president Przemysław Marszał shares that the concept behind Project 8, our debut console game, was daring and thrilling. However, it was initially envisioned in a time when the market had a greater preference for narrative-driven, story-rich games.

He went on to speak about the challenges that Project 8 faced during development, from the COVID-19 pandemic to a growing budget to the aforementioned changing market conditions, all of which ultimately “raised significant doubts about the project’s overall profitability.”

Speaking about “Project 8,” he noted that it presented a mix of advancements and hurdles. Particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic was keeping the development team on track. However, progress persisted. In some aspects, we observed significant quality enhancements; however, numerous challenges within the game’s design and development persisted even after repeated revisions. As time went on, delays mounted, and with each achievement, the project’s expenses increased.

In discussing a project, the Management Board takes into account its current development stage, looking at both internal evaluations and external assessments. Additionally, we examine market trends, projected sales, and marketing potential. Regrettably, in this specific instance, our analysis uncovered outstanding problems and complications that necessitate extending the production schedule and boosting the budget to tackle them effectively. This adjustment, combined with revised sales projections reflecting the dynamic market conditions, casts considerable uncertainty about the project’s financial viability.

11 Bit Studios acknowledges that they will need to account for a financial setback of approximately 48.4 million Polish Zlotys (PLN) due to the cancellation of Project 8. Regrettably, this decision also leads to job losses, with the development team assigned to the project being let go.

11 bit Studios hasn’t specified whether the entire team or just some members will be reassigned to different projects. However, they have announced that they will provide severance packages and aid in job search for those who are let go. They are also examining the assets developed for Project 8 to see if they can be utilized in other projects.

2024 marked the debut of “Frostpunk 2” by 11 bit studios for PC, with plans to release it on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2025. The following year is set to bring the studio’s science fiction survival game, “The Alters,” to the marketplace as well.

2024-12-20 18:11

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