Yes, Until Dawn developer Supermassive Games’ Blade Runner game was canceled. The project, which was in early development, was shelved when Sony acquired the studio in 2022, and it was never officially announced. This article explains what is known about the canceled project, why it was scrapped, and what it means for fans of both Supermassive and the Blade Runner franchise.
Background: Supermassive Games and the Blade Runner Project
Supermassive Games, the British studio behind Until Dawn, The Quarry, and the Dark Pictures Anthology, was reportedly working on a Blade Runner game in the late 2010s. The project was in early pre-production, with a small team exploring concepts for a narrative-driven adventure set in the cyberpunk world of Ridley Scott’s 1982 film and its 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049.
The game was never announced publicly, so details are scarce. According to reports, it would have been a story-heavy experience, consistent with Supermassive’s signature style of branching narratives and cinematic horror. However, the project was reportedly canceled in 2022 after Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired a majority stake in the studio. The acquisition led to a restructuring of Supermassive’s pipeline, and the Blade Runner project was one of several that were dropped.
Why Was the Game Canceled?
The cancellation appears to be a direct result of Sony’s acquisition of Supermassive Games. When Sony took over, it reviewed all ongoing projects and decided to focus the studio’s efforts on games that fit Sony’s first-party portfolio. A Blade Runner game, which would have been published by a third party (likely the rights holder, Alcon Entertainment, or a partner), did not align with Sony’s strategy of developing exclusive IPs.
Additionally, the game was reportedly in very early development, so the financial loss from canceling it was minimal compared to a project further along. Supermassive had also been working on multiple projects simultaneously, and the acquisition allowed Sony to streamline operations, cutting projects that were not seen as high-priority.
What Was the Game Supposed to Be?
While no official details were ever released, reports suggest the Blade Runner game was intended to be a narrative-driven adventure with multiple endings, similar to Until Dawn. It would have likely featured player choices that affected the story, with a focus on moral dilemmas—fitting for the Blade Runner universe, which explores themes of humanity, identity, and what it means to be alive.
Given Supermassive’s track record, the game would have used motion-captured actors and cinematic presentation. It might have included a detective mechanic, where players investigate crime scenes and interrogate suspects, much like the film’s protagonist Rick Deckard. However, these are speculative details based on the studio’s style, not confirmed facts.
What Happened to the Team and the IP?
After the cancellation, the team members who worked on the Blade Runner project were reassigned to other Supermassive titles, such as The Dark Pictures Anthology and Little Nightmares 3, which the studio is co-developing. The Blade Runner IP remains with Alcon Entertainment, the production company that owns the rights to the film series. Alcon has not announced any other video game adaptations since the cancellation, though the franchise has seen tabletop games and mobile games in the past.
Supermassive Games continues to operate as a studio under Sony, releasing The Dark Pictures games and other horror titles. The cancellation did not affect the studio’s overall health, as it had multiple projects in development.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the game was canceled because of poor quality or creative differences. In reality, it was a business decision made by Sony after the acquisition. Another misconception is that the game was far along in development, but reports indicate it was in early pre-production, with no playable build or release date planned.
Some fans also confuse this with the 1997 point-and-click adventure Blade Runner by Westwood Studios, which is a separate game and not related to Supermassive’s project. That game is still available and is considered a cult classic, but it has no connection to the canceled title.
What Fans Can Do Now
For those interested in a Blade Runner game, the closest options are the 1997 classic, which can be played on modern systems via GOG, and the 2019 tabletop RPG Blade Runner: The Roleplaying Game by Free League Publishing. The tabletop game allows players to create their own detective stories in the universe, which may scratch the itch for a narrative-driven experience.
Supermassive Games’ existing catalog, especially Until Dawn and The Quarry, offers similar branching narratives and cinematic horror, albeit in different settings. Fans of the studio’s style can enjoy those games while waiting for any future announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Blade Runner game ever officially announced?
No, it was never officially announced. The project was only known through reports from journalists and industry insiders, so there was never a trailer, release date, or official title.
Why did Sony cancel the game?
Sony canceled the game as part of a strategic review after acquiring Supermassive Games in 2022. The project did not fit Sony’s first-party portfolio, and because it was in early development, the cancellation was a low-cost decision.
Is there any chance the game will be revived?
It is unlikely, as the IP rights are held by Alcon Entertainment, and Supermassive is now focused on Sony’s projects. However, the gaming industry is unpredictable, and a different studio could pick up the license in the future.
What other games has Supermassive made?
Supermassive is best known for Until Dawn (2015), The Dark Pictures Anthology series (starting with Man of Medan in 2019), The Quarry (2022), and Little Nightmares 3 (upcoming). They also developed Hidden Agenda and Bravo Team for PlayStation VR.
Is there a Blade Runner game available to play?
Yes, the 1997 point-and-click adventure Blade Runner by Westwood Studios is available on GOG and Steam. There is also a tabletop RPG, but no modern AAA video game adaptation is currently in development.
Did the cancellation affect Supermassive’s other projects?
No, the cancellation was isolated to the Blade Runner project. Supermassive continued to release The Dark Pictures games and other titles without major delays.
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