Eidos-Montreal Cancels Near-Finished Game, Staff Laid Off

Eidos-Montreal cancelled a game that was almost finished. This means many people lost their jobs.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Business |

Studio Axes Unannounced Open-World Project; Resources Diverted

Eidos-Montréal has reportedly let go of staff following the abrupt cancellation of a large, open-world game, described as being "almost complete." This unannounced title, tentatively known as 'Wildlands', had been in development since early 2019. Sources indicate the project consumed significant resources, diverting attention from other initiatives, including a Deus Ex game that was reportedly shelved in January 2024.

The studio has faced multiple rounds of layoffs as it navigates "stark financial realities" within the broader games industry. This latest round saw the departure of David Anfossi, studio chief, who had been with the company for 19 years. Eidos-Montréal currently operates as part of a joint unit with Crystal Dynamics under the ownership of Embracer Group.

Eidos-Montréal's latest round of layoffs reportedly follows the cancellation of an "almost complete" open-world game - 1

Reports suggest the cancelled game had been "struggling for years." Insiders have shared visual evidence of the project, though its exact nature remains under wraps. The axing of 'Wildlands' follows a previous cancellation of a planned Legacy of Kain reboot after Embracer's acquisition of the studio.

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At present, Eidos-Montréal is understood to be contributing to the development of the Fable reboot, a project helmed by Playground Games for Xbox. The financial implications of cancelling a project that reportedly incurred "hundreds of millions of dollars" in production costs are significant for the studio and its parent company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Eidos-Montreal cancel its open-world game?
Eidos-Montreal cancelled a large, open-world game that was almost finished. The studio is facing financial problems and has had to make cuts.
Q: How many staff were laid off at Eidos-Montreal?
The exact number of staff laid off is not given, but the studio chief, David Anfossi, who worked there for 19 years, has left. This is part of ongoing job cuts.
Q: What was the cancelled game called and when was it made?
The unannounced game was called 'Wildlands' and had been in development since early 2019. It was described as being 'almost complete'.
Q: What does this mean for Eidos-Montreal and its parent company?
Cancelling the game will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. This affects Eidos-Montreal and its owner, Embracer Group. The studio is now helping with the Fable game.
Q: Has Eidos-Montreal cancelled games before?
Yes, Eidos-Montreal also cancelled a planned Legacy of Kain game after Embracer Group bought the studio.