Celeste Studio's Cancelled Earthblade's Soundtrack Is Here

Extremely OK Games, the studio behind the acclaimed platformer Celeste, recently released a concept album for their cancelled game Earthblade, composed by Lena Raine. Earthblade, intended as a "2D explor-action" sequel to Celeste, was announced in December 2022 but faced cancellation due to internal disagreements, particularly about the intellectual property rights associated with Celeste. The album, titled "Across the Bounds of Fate," draws from music composed during the game's development, showcasing Raine's signature blend of electronic and orchestral elements. The album aims to capture the essence of Earthblade, offering listeners a glimpse into the game's potential through a dynamic 30-minute score characterized by evocative melodies and emotional storytelling.

Earthblade was cancelled due to a disagreement over IP rights within Extremely OK Games. Studio director Maddy Thorson described the cancellation as a "huge, heartbreaking, and yet relieving failure," ultimately leading the team to refocus on new projects.

Earthblade was expected to be a spiritual successor to Celeste, a game that gained critical acclaim for its platforming mechanics and emotional narrative. Celeste's emphasis on exploration and depth in gameplay raised high expectations for Earthblade, making the cancellation a significant disappointment for fans who were eager for another immersive experience from the studio. Lena Raine, known for her contributions to various successful games like Celeste and Deltarune, infused Earthblade's concept album with the same emotional depth that marked her previous work, allowing fans to appreciate the artistic vision that would have been realized in the game.