Project 8: This War of Mine Dev's Bold Cancelled Game Unveiled

11 bit Studios, known for titles like This War of Mine and Frostpunk, has officially cancelled its ambitious Project 8, a game that had been in development since 2018. Despite a significant investment nearing £10 million, the project aimed to deliver a narrative-driven experience centered around the five stages of grief, set in a vibrant fantasy world. However, the studio faced numerous challenges, including design and gameplay issues, leading to production delays and an ultimately negative outlook on the game's success in a shifting market. As a result, 11 bit Studios decided to refocus its efforts on existing franchises and upcoming projects, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations in game development.

Project 8 was cancelled due to multiple factors, including ambitious game design challenges, production delays, high costs, and an evolving gaming market that diminished the appeal of narrative-driven games. Ultimately, 11 bit Studios felt continuing with the project would result in significant financial losses.

11 bit Studios has built a reputation for delivering games that delve into deep moral dilemmas, as seen in This War of Mine, which centered on survival during wartime. The cancelled Project 8 was a marked deviation from their usual gritty strategy games into a more action-oriented genre, showcasing the studio's desire to explore new creative territory. The company now aims to concentrate on their well-established franchises while reassessing their approach to development following the lessons learned from the Project 8 experience.