Directed by Hideki Kamiya, PlatinumGames’
Scalebound could have been that Xbox One system-seller Microsoft still desperately needs, but that action-RPG was officially canned in 2017. At its core, it was supposed to be a slasher with some RPG mechanics allowing you to ride a dragon. Unfortunately, after at least four years of active development, Microsoft has decided to scrap the four-player co-op title.
It looks like Kamiya still hasn't forgotten about the fact that Microsoft canceled his dream project almost exactly 2 years ago and announced on Twitter that he doesn't like Xbox much. According to my translation of the direct quote, Kamiya said "
I like Forza Horizon, not Xbox ... [..] I heard that [Xbox] in Japan has terrible [sales] figures in comparison to Sony ['s PlayStation 4] and Nintendo [Switch]."
Considering that Kamiya and PlatinumGames had been facing countless obstacles following that controversial decision (
Scalebound was being developed under the umbrella of Microsoft Game Studios), it shouldn't be surprising that the director doesn't love Xbox. According to Kamiya himself,
NieR: Automata's fantastic results actually "
saved" Platinum from bankruptcy after the cancelation.
Scalebound is the Xbox One exclusive from Hideki Kamiya and Platinum Games, the studio behind Viewtiful Joe, Bayonetta, Vanquish, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and The Wonderful 101.
Scalebound was officially canceled on January 9, 2017.