After a flurry of rumors the past few days, Microsoft Studios have confirmed that development on Scalebound has stopped.
A Microsoft representative was quoted when speaking to IGN:
“After careful deliberation, Microsoft Studios has come to the decision to end production for Scalebound. We’re working hard to deliver an amazing lineup of games to our fans this year, including Halo Wars 2, Crackdown 3, State of Decay 2, Sea of Thieves and other great experiences.”
Microsoft would not comment on whether the Scalebound IP was owned by its Microsoft Studios or by developer Platinum and also gave no additional comment when asked if Microsoft will seek to work with Platinum on another project in the future.
Scalebound, announced at E3 2014, was originally planned for a Holiday 2016 release. Shortly before E3 2016, Platinum delayed the game until 2017.
This is a pretty big blow to the lineup for Exclusives from Microsoft Studios. Hopefully they have a replacement in the wings to compete with the cancelled title.