Summary
The development studios behind hit roguelikeDead Cellshave announced that they will be stepping back from further post-launch updates for the game. In the years since its release,Dead Cellsreceived multiple updates and add-ons, keeping the game in players' minds on their playlists long after they had exhausted the original game’s content.
Dead Cellsfirst launched in 2018 on PC after spending time in Steam’s Early Access program, while developer Motion Twin refined its action platformer gameplay. When it was released fully on PC and later on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and mobile platforms,Dead Cellsquickly rocketed up lists of thebest action roguelike gamesaround. The game has also received several paid and free expansions since 2018, both from the direct involvement of the original team at Motion Twin, and co-developed by its spin-off studio, Evil Empire.
Motion Twinannounced on the officialDead CellsSteam pagethat the current update for the game on PC and consoles, Update 35, would be the last one. The same will be true of the mobile editions ofDead Cells, though those versions are still waiting for Update 34, which is scheduled for release in 2024. In its announcement, Motion Twin thanked the game’s millions of players for their enthusiasm and support, and promised that fans would have ways to enjoyDead Cellsoutside the game. The announcement referred to the ongoing production ofaDead Cellsanimated series, the creation of a board game adaptation, and more. Motion Twin even hinted that the Beheaded,Dead Cells’player character, will cross over with some other piece of media in the future. Motion Twin said it is looking into solutions to handle issues like bug fixes and other issues across all platforms, as it works on its current project, calledWindblown.
Evil Empire, co-developer ofDead Cellssince 2019, confirmed Motion Twin’s announcement, as well. It released its own statement on the matter via its official Twitter account. Evil Empire thanked theDead Cellscommunity for its support and feedback, and thanked Motion Twin for “trusting [Evil Empire] with their baby for so long.” Evil Empire was founded in 2019 to help developadd-ons forDead Cellssuch as theReturn to CastlevaniaDLCafter the core group at Motion Twin chose to focus on new projects. With the end of post-release support forDead Cells, Evil Empire will be working on new, unannounced original titles.
The story ofDead Cellsand its remarkable longevity is a unique one. While an indie game created by a small team finding success isn’t an unusual occurrence, Motion Twin’s decision to spin off an entirely new studio to keep up support forDead Cellsas it focused on new projects is. The new additions and updates,particularly crossovers likeDead Cells: Return to Castlevania,also kept the game in the public eye for much longer than it would’ve otherwise and further cementing its place as a classic of the genre.
Dead Cells
WHERE TO PLAY
Dead Cells puts you in control of a failed alchemic experiment trying to figure out what’s happening on a sprawling, ever-changing and seemingly cursed Island. Tough but fair combat, responsive controls, challenging foes, permadeath and of course, the emergency panic roll to get you out of trouble, make for a demanding, visceral and cathartic action game.Experience a Roguevania, mixing an interconnected world, branching paths and unlockable skills with the constant adrenaline-pumping threat of permadeath. No checkpoints. You either vanquish the final boss in one go, or you try again. However, you keep some of your progress for successive runs; new paths you’ve unlocked, access to new levels, mutations, abilities and weapons.Speaking of weapons, Dead Cells features a plethora of ways to slay your enemies. A large variety of swords, bows and of course spells, but also whips, grenades and turrets, each one with its own unique twist. Plus, mutations and scrolls allow you to build and customize your character differently with each and every run.At the end of the day though, it’s YOUR skills as a player that matter most! Roguelites are about constantly sharpening your skills, until what was an insurmountable obstacle becomes a walk in the park. Patience, you’ll get better!… eventually.
