Dante's Inferno 2 was never developed primarily because its creator, Visceral Games, was eventually shut down by Electronic Arts (EA), effectively ending any prospect of a sequel.
The Developer's Closure
Visceral Games, the studio behind the original Dante's Inferno, ceased operations in 2017 when it was closed down by its parent company, Electronic Arts. This closure followed a period of challenges for the studio, including the mixed critical and commercial reception of their 2013 title, Dead Space 3, and the subsequent cancellation of a high-profile Star Wars game they were developing.
Impact of Franchise Performance
The primary reason for the absence of Dante's Inferno 2 can largely be attributed to the broader performance issues within Visceral Games' portfolio, particularly the Dead Space franchise. Despite critical acclaim for early entries, the series ultimately did not meet Electronic Arts' demanding sales expectations. This commercial underperformance of one of the studio's flagship franchises contributed significantly to the financial pressures that ultimately led to Visceral Games' closure.
- Key Factors Leading to No Sequel:
- Studio Shutdown: Visceral Games, the original developer, was closed by EA in 2017.
- Dead Space Franchise Performance: The Dead Space series, a major property for Visceral, failed to meet EA's sales targets.
- Project Cancellations: Other projects, such as a high-profile Star Wars game, were canceled.
Given that the studio responsible for the original game no longer exists, and the commercial performance of their other significant titles didn't align with publisher expectations, there was no impetus for a continuation of Dante's Inferno.
