In early 2023, whispers began circulating about a new survival game in development at Blizzard Entertainment. Dubbed Odyssey, this project was described as a “fairytale survival game” inspired by titles like Everwild and Fable Legends. However, by January 2024, Blizzard reportedly cancelled Odyssey due to “insurmountable issues” with the game engine they had been working on since 2017. Now, newly surfaced images have provided the first glimpse into this ill-fated project, offering fans a look at what could have been.
The leaked images, originally posted on the Russian social media platform VK.com, showcase what appears to be a multiplayer survival game with an aesthetic reminiscent of games like Palworld—colorful, cartoony, and vibrant. The images reveal a user interface (UI) packed with survival elements such as inventory management, buffs and debuffs, food and sleep levels, and durability systems for gear. Players would seemingly need to manage these aspects carefully to survive in the game world, typical of the survival genre.
The screenshots also suggest that Odyssey was intended to be highly customizable. From altering the base character model to choosing clothing, weapons, and skill points, players would have had numerous options to tailor their in-game avatars. This level of customization could have added depth to the game, giving it a more personal touch for players who enjoy shaping their own experiences.
A notable feature highlighted in the leaks is the inclusion of PvP (Player vs. Player) elements. One screenshot shows a player dying from being shot by another, with a killfeed displaying the details. Upon death, players could choose a respawn point, one of which is listed as “822 steps away,” hinting at a substantial map size. This suggests Odyssey might have balanced both cooperative and competitive play, allowing players to either team up to survive or engage in battles for resources and territory.
However, despite its potential, Blizzard reportedly struggled with technical challenges. The custom game engine, under development since 2017, was said to be a major hurdle. Such technical issues often lead to delays, bugs, and overall instability, which can compromise the quality of a game. It appears Blizzard ultimately decided that continuing development was not viable, leading to the project’s cancellation.
While Odyssey might have ended up as another title in the growing list of generic survival games, its unique “fairytale” twist and multiplayer focus could have set it apart if executed well. For now, these leaked images are the closest fans will get to exploring the world of Odyssey. It raises the question of whether Blizzard made the right call in shelving the project or if Odyssey could have evolved into something truly special with more time and development resources.
