In an unexpected twist for fans of both sci-fi and narrative-driven games, it has been reported that Supermassive Games was developing a Blade Runner title that ultimately got canceled. The project, known internally as Blade Runner: Time to Live, was reportedly shelved in late 2024 due to creative disagreements with IP owner Alcon Entertainment.
Inside Supermassive Games’ Secret Blade Runner Project
Supermassive Games, best known for its work on Until Dawn, The Quarry, and The Dark Pictures Anthology, had quietly been working on an ambitious Blade Runner game. According to Insider Gaming, Blade Runner: Time to Live was a third-person, character-focused, cinematic action-adventure set in the year 2065.
Players would have stepped into the shoes of So-Lange, an aging Nexus-6 model trapped in New Zurich after a catastrophic event. The game was said to blend the philosophical depth of the Blade Runner universe with fast-paced, kinetic gameplay, featuring a 10–12 hour single-player campaign.
The gameplay elements included:
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Combat and stealth mechanics
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Exploration of a cyberpunk world
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Investigations using in-world technology
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Dialogue-driven interactions with “authentic, punchy, and poignant” conversations
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A skill and memory upgrade system to enhance gameplay and storytelling
The project aimed to stay true to Blade Runner’s iconic themes, particularly the complex exploration of identity, memory, and humanity.
Why Was Blade Runner: Time to Live Canceled?
According to reports, the cancellation stemmed from disagreements between Supermassive Games and Alcon Entertainment, the rights holder for the Blade Runner IP. Specifics about these disputes haven’t been fully disclosed, but they were significant enough to derail the project despite its promising concept.
This cancelation marks Supermassive’s second major sci-fi project after their earlier 2012 game, Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock. It’s another reminder of the challenges developers face when working under licensed IPs, where creative visions sometimes clash with rights holders’ expectations.
What’s Next for Supermassive Games?
Despite the disappointment, Supermassive Games remains a powerhouse in the horror genre. With ongoing expansions in The Dark Pictures Anthology and other rumored projects, fans can still look forward to new chilling, story-driven experiences from the studio.
While Blade Runner: Time to Live will sadly never see the light of day, its vision leaves us wondering what could have been — a cinematic cyberpunk journey through the neon-lit streets of New Zurich.
Stay tuned for more updates about Supermassive’s next moves and upcoming projects!