Project Dagger No More: People Can Fly Cancels Long-Awaited RPG

In a recent turn of events that has left fans and investors alike in a state of surprised dismay, People Can Fly, the powerhouse studio behind hits like Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgement, has officially pulled the plug on its highly anticipated co-op action RPG, Project Dagger. Word of this cancellation first made its way to the public eye through a sharp-eyed Twitter user, before the company confirmed the news, citing a thorough re-evaluation of the game's development plans as the primary cause.

Project Dagger had been in the works for several years, promising to deliver an experience that would blend the studio's knack for high-octane action with the depth and engagement of role-playing games. The decision to cease development was not made lightly. According to People Can Fly, it came down to the game not meeting the ambitious expectations set for it, both in terms of scope and commercial viability. This, they revealed, was a conclusion reached after rigorous analysis and evaluation, which ultimately led to the hard choice of cancellation.

The financial repercussions of this decision are significant, with the studio projecting a substantial downturn in its financial outlook for 2023. Specifically, People Can Fly's consolidated financial results are anticipated to take a hit of approximately $16.9 million, with its standalone balance affected to the tune of $19.7 million. This news has undoubtedly sent ripples through the investment community, as stakeholders reassess the studio's future prospects in light of this development.

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation is the fact that Project Dagger was initially set to be published by Take-Two Interactive. However, after the termination of this agreement in 2022, People Can Fly had boldly announced plans to self-publish the game—a move that was seen as a declaration of independence and confidence in their project. Unfortunately, this confidence was not enough to see the project through to completion.

As the dust settles on the cancellation of Project Dagger, questions linger about what this means for the future of People Can Fly and the individuals who dedicated years to the project's development. The studio has yet to comment on the implications for its workforce, leaving many to wonder about the personal stories behind the corporate decision. One thing is clear: the cancellation of Project Dagger is a significant event in the gaming industry, marking the end of what could have been a new chapter for People Can Fly and a reminder of the often unpredictable nature of game development.