• Forums
  • Shop
  • Best Laptops
  • Best Graphics Cards
  • Best Motherboards
  • Best Antivirus
  • Best VPN
  • Xbox Series X
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
  4. /
  5. Xbox
Abandoned Edge

Has Xbox and Ninja Theory's 'Bleeding Edge' been abandoned? (Updated)

Radio silence for several months doesn't bode well for Ninja Theory's 4v4 brawler.
Jez Corden
25 Oct 2020

Bleeding EdgeSource: Xbox Game Studios

All the way back in July 2020, Bleeding Edge got a brand new fighter, dubbed Azrael, joining what, at least appeared to be, decent on-going support for Ninja Theory's 4v4 brawler.

Update October 26, 2020: Since posting this article, Bleeding Edge tweeted again for the first time since August, and support staff began engaging again in the game's Discord. It certainly seems like there's still life in the game. Staffer 'Rebel Tetris' offered this: "Regarding new content I have no update, but the game is still active the servers are still up and we still respond to support requests and try to resolve player issues to ensure they can continue playing."

Bleeding Edge was in development by a subteam of Ninja Theory before Microsoft acquired the studio, also known for DmC and Hellblade. Ninja Theory is working on Hellblade II, alongside a mysterious horror title dubbed Project Mara. A smaller team was leading on-going updates for Bleeding Edge, but since July, there has been no developer correspondence on the future of the game whatsoever.

Even a brief glance at the game's official blog, socials or official Discord paints a bleak picture. None of have been updated with community messages since July, save for some service degredation alerts. Developers have been completely and utterly radio silent on the game's official Discord, with community messages left ignored, declining to engage in any form of discussion about the game.

When I reviewed Bleeding Edge, I saw it as a game with strong potential, albeit lacking in complexity and variety, at least at launch. While playing it, I couldn't help but feel like I spent long periods of time not really doing anything, as I waited for enemies to respawn, or waited for nodes to unlock, and so on.

Kulev you beautiful bastard lmao, mind control ultimate takes me back to my WoW shadow priest days. #BleedingEdge pic.twitter.com/kjjqTheC9H

— Jez o' Lantern 🎃 (@JezCorden) February 15, 2020

Balance also felt a little off, with some healers like Kulev, at least back then, vastly outshining others. I had plenty of fun with the game, mopping up the vast majority of the achievements, using Kulev's mind control skill to force players into traps was also hilarious. At the same time, I just ended up feeling like I could play superficially similar, but far more complex games like Overwatch, or even World of Warcraft PvP, where Bleeding Edge draws some obvious inspiration from.

I was hoping with Xbox Game Pass as a vehicle, Microsoft would see fit to continue updating the game as an added-value proposition. But it looks like as with Killer Instinct, to speculate, it might have ended up being "too niche," or something along those lines.

I think Bleeding Edge may still have an update in the works, possibly adding ranked play, or something along those lines to give it another push. It would be a shame to see it sunset prematurely, given how good it can feel to play at times. For now, it looks like Bleeding Edge's shrinking group of players will just have to wait a little longer.

Xbox Series X/S

Main

  • Xbox Series X: Everything we know
  • Best games coming to Xbox Series X/S
  • List of Xbox Series X specs
  • What is the Xbox Series X release date?
  • How much does Xbox Series X cost?
  • Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
  • Best Xbox Series X Headsets
Microsoft's new web-based Outlook client officially launches in preview
Web email

Microsoft's new web-based Outlook client officially launches in preview

Microsoft has officially announced its new Outlook client, which is now available in preview for Office Insiders in the Beta Channel. The new app is accessible via a "preview" toggle in the Outlook desktop app. Enabling the toggle will transform the legacy Office app into a new web-based one, featuring new features and a new UI.

Think you know ALL Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts? Find out in our list.
Comprehensive shortcut list

Think you know ALL Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts? Find out in our list.

In this guide, we'll list all the best keyboard shortcuts you can use to better navigate and operate Windows 10 on your desktop computer or laptop.

Here's Acer's new Spin 5 convertible laptop with a 16:10 2.5K display
Well-rounded

Here's Acer's new Spin 5 convertible laptop with a 16:10 2.5K display

Acer’s new Spin 5 brings an excellent 2.5K 16:10 display, siloed Wacom AES 2.0 stylus, and the latest from Intel 12th Gen making this a nicely spec’d do-it-all 14-inch laptop for students and pros.

Get the most out of your Xbox with the best HDMI cable
8K and beyond

Get the most out of your Xbox with the best HDMI cable

These ultra-high-speed HDMI cables display the highest resolution image and crystal-clear sound from your Xbox console. Accept no substitute for your high-fidelity gaming needs.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from Windows Central!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • Games
  • Bleeding Edge
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Laptops
  • Surface
  • Reviews
  • Gaming & Xbox
  • How To
  • Forums
  • Deals
  • PC Components

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Windows Central Merch
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • iMore
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • p
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement