Scalebound, the canceled Xbox project from Platinum Games, may be revived as Platinum Games is rumored to be starting "early discussions" to bring it back. Scalebound was once a highly anticipated Xbox-exclusive release that revolved around adventuring alongside customized AI-driven dragons. Unfortunately, due to what's been described as issues with Scalebound's photorealistic look and online features, it was canceled in January 2017. Platinum doesn't necessarily believe Scalebound should stay canceled, though.
Scalebound was first announced during E3 2014, but issues with Platinum's development of the game grew apparent relatively quickly. It wasn't until Gamescom 2015 that gameplay of Scalebound was eventually shown, but it quickly disappeared again. A late 2016 release date was delayed into 2017, followed by the game's cancelation. Since Platinum was developing Scalebound for Xbox, the game's IP is owned by Microsoft. Resurrecting the game would, as a result, require Microsoft's approval.
The report regarding Scalebound's potential revival comes from the XboxEra podcasts' Shpeshal_Nick, a common source for reliable insider information. According to Shpeshal_Nick, Platinum and Microsoft have entered "very early discussions" to bring back Scalebound. To be pointedly clear, this is not confirmation of the project moving forward in any way. This is just said to be a conversation regarding the possible resurrection of the game, or something akin to it.
The only additional detail provided about the conversation is that it isn't clear if the conversation is to restart the development of Scalebound, the project that Microsoft previously canceled, or to start the game over from the start. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine Microsoft selling or giving the IP to Platinum, either, but Platinum would likely prefer for Microsoft to fund and publish the project over any other option. Given Scalebound is currently not moving forward, any option is likely preferable.
It should be noted this isn't the first it's been heard that Platinum is interested in bringing Scalebound back. Studio head Atsushi Inaba said in 2019 that Platinum would like to return to Scalebound if given the opportunity. In early 2022, Inaba once again brought up the subject of reviving Scalebound. Scalebound director Hideki Kamiya even went as far as to mention Xbox boss Phil Spencer, saying, "Phil! Let's do it together!"
That Xbox would listen to a pitch from Platinum isn't necessarily surprising. It's an important third-party game developer and a potential partner for future projects. Whether Xbox would ever approve the return of Scalebound is another matter entirely. Platinum is coming off the well-received release of Bayonetta 3, though, so perhaps it thinks it has a strong pitch. Time will tell if Scalebound will ever get a second chance at life.
Scalebound was canceled in 2017.
