Dead Cells has made an indelible mark in the gaming world, celebrated not only for its mechanical precision but also for its rich environmental storytelling. This indie gem has transcended its status as one of the premier roguelikes, earning its place among the best PC games overall. With a staggering 97% positive feedback on Steam and millions of players drawn to its captivating gameplay, the game has enjoyed a flourishing life, bolstered by years of downloadable content (DLC). Yet, as of last year, further development has come to a halt, prompting us to engage with two developers from Motion Twin to understand the rationale behind this decision.
Reflections on a Beloved Project
“We are still very, very proud of the project,” shares artist and level designer Gwen Massé, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dead Cells even in 2025. The game’s release in the mid-2010s coincided with a burgeoning interest in indie titles, pixel art aesthetics, and innovative roguelike mechanics, creating a perfect storm for success.
Following its launch, Motion Twin committed to enhancing the game with substantial updates and DLC, ensuring that player engagement remained high. These updates were not mere cosmetic additions; they fundamentally altered gameplay and level design, enriching the overall Dead Cells experience. However, this phase was destined to conclude.
In early 2019, just a year after the game’s full release, Motion Twin transitioned the ongoing development of Dead Cells to Evil Empire, a new studio formed by several former Motion Twin team members. Evil Empire continued to roll out significant updates until 2024, when Motion Twin made the controversial decision to halt all further development on Dead Cells.
This decision sparked discontent within the roguelike community, with many perceiving it as a strategic move to shift focus toward Motion Twin’s new project, Windblown, which is currently in early access.
Despite the backlash, both Massé and fellow developer Yannick Berthier, who serves as co-creative director and game designer for Windblown, believe that concluding updates for Dead Cells was ultimately beneficial. “We felt that it was a good thing to stop updates for the game because we felt that we were at the end of an era about Dead Cells,” Massé explains. “For us and for the players, it was a good thing to have the game you wanted to make at the beginning. So right now we are really focused on Windblown, focused 100%.”
Berthier, who joined Motion Twin in the post-Dead Cells landscape, recognizes the significance of the game for both the studio and its audience. He attributes the studio’s expansion and the creation of his role to the phenomenal success of Dead Cells, which has sold over ten million copies. “Our studio overall has been blessed by that project,” he remarks, noting that the success of Dead Cells has allowed Motion Twin to pursue more ambitious creative endeavors without the constraints of financial pressure.
A New Chapter with Windblown
Windblown is poised to be technically ambitious, introducing co-op play to a fast-paced roguelike experience. While early access feedback has been encouraging, the path to matching the success of Dead Cells remains uncertain, hinging on various factors. Motion Twin appears to be banking on the idea that stepping away from Dead Cells will enhance Windblown’s prospects.
This strategy may not sit well with devoted fans of Dead Cells, particularly given that a separate development team had been managing its updates. As Motion Twin seeks to emerge from the shadow of its acclaimed title, the studio faces the challenge of winning over players with Windblown to secure its future success.
Windblown is currently available in early access, inviting players to explore its innovative features. For those seeking more challenging experiences akin to Dead Cells, a curated list of the best soulslike games awaits. Additionally, the top Steam Deck games offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy Dead Cells on the go.
Engagement with the community remains vital, and readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the fate of Dead Cells in our Discord server, where staff and fellow gamers discuss the next potential indie gems. Stay tuned for more insights from our conversation with Motion Twin in the days to come.
