The UnrevEaled History of Arkane Studios
Before establishing themselves as powerhouse developers with acclaimed titles like Deathloop and Redfall, Arkane Studios had two major projects in development that could have significantly altered their trajectory – a Thief 4 sequel and a game set in the Blade Runner universe.
What Might Have Been
According to a recent report from Eurogamer, the Lyon-based studio was in discussions to develop both projects before ultimately creating their breakthrough hit Dishonored. These revelations shine a fascinating light on the alternative paths Arkane might have taken in their development journey.
The studio, now renowned for their immersive sim approach to game design, apparently had advanced conversations about creating a fourth installment in the beloved Thief series. The stealth-focused franchise would have been a natural fit for Arkane’s design philosophy, which emphasizes player choice and creative problem-solving within richly detailed worlds.
Equally intriguing were the discussions around a Blade Runner game, a property that remains one of science fiction’s most visually and thematically rich universes. Arkane’s talent for creating atmospheric, dystopian environments would have made them an excellent choice to bring the world of replicants and blade runners to interactive life.
Why These Projects Didn’t Materialize
While specific details about why these projects didn’t move forward remain scarce, industry circumstances likely played a significant role. The mid-to-late 2000s was a period of transition in the gaming industry, with publishers becoming increasingly risk-averse, particularly when it came to high-budget projects based on established IP.
Instead of pursuing these licensed properties, Arkane ultimately channeled their creative energies into Dishonored, a title that would go on to define the studio’s identity and establish them as leading innovators in the immersive sim genre. The original Dishonored released in 2012 to critical acclaim, eventually spawning a successful franchise including a sequel and numerous DLC expansions.
Arkane’s Legacy Today
Looking back, it’s fascinating to consider how these alternative projects might have shaped Arkane’s evolution. Would they have become known primarily as stewards of established franchises, rather than creators of original IP? How might their design sensibilities have evolved differently?
Regardless, Arkane’s decision to focus on original properties has clearly paid dividends. Today, gamers can explore their latest creation, Redfall, available with game keys through digital retailers like TURGAME.com, where you can find a wide selection of digital gift cards and game keys for Arkane’s titles and many others.
While we’ll never experience what might have been with Arkane’s take on Thief 4 or Blade Runner, these revelations add another layer to understanding the creative journey of one of gaming’s most distinctive developers.
Source: Eurogamer