When an indie game captures the hearts of many and achieves widespread success, its community often voices strong opinions about what should come next. This was precisely the situation for Motion Twin, the creative minds behind the acclaimed roguelike, Dead Cells, a title that has been a consistent highlight among top roguelike games since its 2018 debut. However, unlike many developers who might opt for the more predictable and commercially safe route of a direct sequel to capitalize on an existing hit, Motion Twin chose an entirely different and more adventurous direction.
Yannick Berthier, co-creative director and game designer at Motion Twin, explained in a recent interview that their philosophy is rooted in creating what they genuinely desire. He emphasized that Motion Twin’s distinct structure, where almost every member of the nine-person team holds a partnership stake, empowers them to prioritize creative instinct over purely business-driven choices.
This decision process, focusing on the team’s collective passion, shaped their path forward. A video showcasing this development philosophy would highlight the unique internal dynamics at play.
Berthier candidly stated that if their studio operated as a typical ‘business’ entity, discussions would undoubtedly revolve around a Dead Cells sequel. Instead, the focus is entirely on Windblown, a testament to their identity as a collective of creative individuals driven by a shared desire to innovate and build new experiences.
After dedicating considerable time to Dead Cells, the team felt a strong urge for fresh challenges. The resounding success of their previous title provided them with the invaluable liberty to pursue a new vision: ‘a new universe, super bright, that could be co-op.’ Although Windblown initially presented a highly demanding experience, its journey through early access has been shaped by continuous player feedback, resulting in significant improvements and a much more refined game today.
An image from Dead Cells, often celebrated as one of the best roguelike games, reminds players of the studio’s foundational work.
Berthier believes that if Motion Twin were a subsidiary of a larger corporation or answerable to shareholders, their trajectory might have been drastically altered. He noted that internal pressure for a sequel would have been far more intense. ‘Externally, the demand is incredibly strong,’ he shared. ‘Nearly every announcement we make is met with comments asking, ‘When is Dead Cells 2 coming?’ But we accept that as our reality.’ While acknowledging that this decision might not appear to be the most shrewd business move, the creative team ultimately followed their passion rather than purely commercial considerations.
Even a year into Windblown’s early access phase, Berthier stands firm in his conviction, expressing no regret for choosing a fresh direction instead of merely replicating Dead Cells’ formula. The profound advantage of Motion Twin’s worker co-op model, he highlights, is the unparalleled creative freedom it affords. This autonomy allows them to decide their next project, free from the dictates of corporate executives. While this degree of freedom is undeniably a luxury born from the immense success of their initial game, the developers at Motion Twin are clearly relishing the opportunity to craft something entirely new.
An action-packed image showcasing a dodge maneuver in Windblown illustrates the dynamic gameplay of their new project.
Berthier articulates their agency by saying, ‘We can shape our future.’ He qualifies this by acknowledging that they are still part of the broader reality, but stresses their ability to ‘definitely influence or choose our strategy.’
Their chosen strategy is one of continuous innovation and iteration, focusing on entirely new creations, distinct from the legacy of Dead Cells. While the Dead Cells name brought them immense success—and some strong reactions when active support concluded—Windblown aims to carve its own path. It remains to be seen if Windblown will reach the same heights of popularity as its predecessor, but if it empowers the developers to realize their true creative vision, then their decision is certainly commendable.
Windblown is currently available for players to experience in its early access phase. For those who appreciate games akin to Dead Cells or Windblown, featuring developers who embrace creative risks, numerous other outstanding indie titles and challenging soulslike games offer similar experiences. We invite you to share your thoughts on Windblown and engage with our community, where creative passion often guides our discussions.