After seven years of continuous development, the journey for the critically acclaimed game Dead Cells has reached its conclusion. The original developers, Motion Twin, along with the DLC developers Evil Empire, have announced that they will be ending their work on the game. Over the course of its lifecycle, the game has seen the creation of four expansive DLCs and 18 significant updates, enriching the game’s content and keeping the community engaged. Among these updates was the highly praised Castlevania crossover, which added a fresh layer of excitement and nostalgia for fans of both franchises.
Designer’s Reaction
The announcement regarding the end of development for Dead Cells was met with a fiery response from the game’s designer, Sébastien Benard. His reaction, voiced on the official Dead Cells Discord server and further elaborated in his blog post, was one of intense criticism towards Motion Twin and a show of support for Evil Empire. Benard’s main points of criticism include:
- Accusing Motion Twin of making “the worst imaginable asshole move” against Dead Cells and Evil Empire.
- Describing the official statement as “total marketing bullshit” and suggesting that the reality of the situation was much more severe.
- Expressing disappointment in his former co-op studio, which he perceived as having become “greedy people.”
- Voicing his support for Evil Empire, commending their “true love for the franchise.”
Benard’s comments highlight a stark contrast between the public announcement and his personal insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the game’s development and support.
Benard’s Background
Sébastien Benard has a long and storied history with Motion Twin, having been employed there for 19 years. His tenure at the company was marked by significant contributions to the development of Dead Cells, but it was not without its challenges. Benard’s relationship with the team became increasingly strained over time, culminating in his departure from the company.
It is important to correct a previously made error: Sébastien Benard was not a co-founder of Motion Twin. He was, in fact, an early employee who played a crucial role in the company’s development. His exit from the company in December 2019 was under difficult circumstances, as he was “asked to leave” following the success of Dead Cells and amidst growing complications in his working relationships.
Despite these challenges, Benard’s impact on the game and the studio is undeniable, and his recent comments reflect a deep connection to the work he has done and the legacy he has helped to create.
The cessation of development for Dead Cells by Motion Twin and Evil Empire marks the end of an era for a game that has been a staple in the roguelike genre for seven years. The unexpected and impassioned reaction from the game’s designer, Sébastien Benard, has shed light on the complexities and emotional investments behind the scenes of game development. His scathing remarks towards Motion Twin and words of encouragement for Evil Empire have highlighted a divide between the public face of the game’s development and the private experiences of those involved.
While the announcement itself might have been anticipated given the game’s long run, the intensity of Benard’s response was not. It serves as a reminder of the passionate dedication game developers have for their creations and the sometimes tumultuous nature of the industry. As the community digests this news, the legacy of Dead Cells and its impact on players and developers alike will undoubtedly continue to be felt and discussed.
