The seed for Motion Twin’s follow-up to Dead Cells, titled Windblown, sprouted from casual discussions among the team, often held over drinks. As the studio continued to support Dead Cells through expansions and updates with co-developer Evil Empire, they sought to create something fresh.
Initially, the team had various ideas that didn’t center on making another roguelike, but new team member Yannick Berthier noted that the pull of familiar habits led them back to the genre. Consequently, Windblown, a three-player co-op action game, is set to launch in early access on Steam on October 24.
Windblown is anticipated to stand alongside other modern roguelikes like Hades 2 and Slay the Spire 2. The excitement surrounding the game is palpable, especially with Dead Cells achieving over 10 million sales by 2023, making it one of the best roguelikes ever.
While the small team of eight at Motion Twin feels the weight of expectation, the opportunity to explore new ideas in a beloved genre has energized them. Vasseur and Berthier emphasize that their drive to innovate has been a significant motivating force.
The development team acknowledges that while Dead Cells has been a major influence, the games are distinct in their mechanics. Berthier explains that Windblown has evolved closer to the Dead Cells formula over the past year, following extensive testing of various systems.
The team explored mechanics inspired by other games, such as The Binding of Isaac and Hades, but eventually decided to return to the roots of Dead Cells, aiming to enhance its core experience while ensuring that players feel a continuous sense of progress and diversity in each run.
In developing Windblown, the team identified opportunities to improve aspects of Dead Cells. Vasseur mentioned that they were often frustrated with the dual-wielding mechanics in Dead Cells, so they created “Alterattacks” to allow players to combine weapon abilities more effectively.
The inspiration from the Monster Hunter series motivated them to seek deeper weapon mechanics, ultimately leading them to refine their approach rather than complicate it with unnecessary systems.
The decision to focus on multiplayer from the outset reflects a shift in vision for the game. The developers aimed to create a co-op experience that allows players to engage with the game together.
The game’s defining mechanic is its dash ability, designed to provide smooth and exhilarating movement across levels. This feature underwent numerous iterations before achieving a fast-paced experience that encourages players to navigate obstacles fluidly.
As Windblown prepares for its early access phase, the team plans to refine the game further based on player feedback. Berthier noted that they had already incorporated insights from a closed alpha testing phase, where 200 to 300 players contributed valuable input on gameplay systems and mechanics.
The team anticipates that the larger player base during early access will provide even more insights to enhance the game experience.
Pressure is a natural part of developing a sequel to a successful game like Dead Cells. While Vasseur described the mix of feelings about this pressure as “awful and very cool,” both he and Berthier view it as a driving force for creativity and excellence.
The desire to create a game that encourages collaboration among players has kept the team focused on their goals, ensuring that they remain grounded in their passion for game development.
Looking ahead, both Vasseur and Berthier express their hopes for Windblown to receive ongoing support and updates similar to Dead Cells.
Vasseur believes the multiplayer aspect opens many avenues for future content, while Berthier acknowledges that if they are fortunate, Windblown could have an even longer lifespan than its predecessor. Their enthusiasm for the game is clear, and they are excited about the potential to expand on their ideas post-launch.