Xbox renewed the trademark to 'Scalebound,' but no, it's not in development
Since I've been getting a load of DMs this afternoon about a Scalebound rumor, I figured I'd just take a little moment to shatter everyone's dreams. Scalebound isn't in development.
Microsoft recently renewed the trademark to Scalebound, and coupled with an "insider report" on Twitter, rumors began to swirl about the game being back in development. I can confirm via our own sources, however, that Scalebound is not in development by Microsoft or a "trusted team," as stated in the report. Nothing to see here folks.
Scalebound was previously in development by Platinum Games, famed for Metal Gear Rising, Nier Automata, and Bayonetta. It was supposed to be an action RPG with 4-player co-operative play, revolving around giant monster battles and huge, customizable dragon companions.
It sounded truly awesome, but complications between Platinum and Microsoft led to the project's cancellation, for reasons we may never fully know.
With regards to the Scalebound trademark, companies renew trademarks all the time, and in the case of Scalebound, it's still very fresh in gamer's minds as a title developed for and by Xbox. A simple renewal isn't indicative of continued development; it's simply Microsoft protecting a recent trademark they have spent a significant amount of time and money marketing.
None of this means Scalebound couldn't return in some form in the future, but it's not on the cards for the time being.
At E3 2017, Microsoft will fully reveal the consumer version of Project Scorpio, the beastly 4K-powered next Xbox. We expect to see gameplay from titles like State of Decay 2, Crackdown 3, and much more, and who knows what other surprises Microsoft have in the pipeline. Sadly, none of them will be Scalebound.
Were you among those looking forward to Scalebound? Hit the comments and let us know.
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Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!