The future of the Just Cause series is now in serious doubt following reports that Just Cause 5, once in development at Sumo Digital, was cancelled mid-production. Although the game had never been officially announced by publisher Square Enix or series creator Avalanche Studios, recent revelations indicate the project was real and it’s now been shelved.

According to a report from MP1st and corroborated by a LinkedIn profile spotted by eagle-eyed fans, a former Sumo Digital developer listed their role as “Vehicles Feature Team Lead” on Just Cause 5, revealing that the project was ultimately cancelled. The listing suggests the game was in active development between 2021 and 2023, hinting that it had reached a fairly advanced stage before being shut down.

This quiet cancellation is particularly striking given the optimism surrounding the franchise just a few years ago. In Square Enix’s May 2022 financial results briefing, the publisher explicitly stated that a new Just Cause game was in development. This seemingly confirmed the franchise’s continuation following the lukewarm reception of Just Cause 4 in 2018, which faced criticism for its performance issues and repetitive gameplay, despite its signature high-octane chaos.

Sumo Digital, best known for Sackboy: A Big Adventure and contributions to Forza Horizon, appeared to have taken the reins of the franchise for this installment. However, the reasons behind the cancellation remain unclear. It’s possible that internal restructuring, budget constraints, or shifting priorities within Embracer Group (who acquired the Just Cause IP after Square Enix sold its Western studios and properties in 2022) played a role in the decision.

While the mainline game series may be dormant, Just Cause isn’t entirely gone. A movie adaptation has been in development for years and recently gained momentum again, with a screenwriter reportedly attached to the project. Whether the film can rekindle interest in the brand remains to be seen.

For fans of Rico Rodriguez and his grappling-hook-fueled revolution antics, this news comes as a disappointment. The series, known for its massive open worlds and destructible environments, offered a unique sandbox experience that many hoped would return with refinements in a new sequel.

As of now, no official comment has been made by Sumo Digital, Avalanche Studios, or Square Enix regarding the fate of Just Cause 5. With its cancellation, the franchise’s future hangs in the balance leaving fans to wonder whether Rico’s wild adventures have come to an end, or if a new revolution is still possible.

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Stay tuned for updates on the future of the Just Cause franchise and other major gaming stories.