Recent industry reports indicate that Polish developer People Can Fly was working on Outriders 2 before being forced to cancel the project during major studio restructuring. The sequel to their 2021 looter shooter was reportedly in advanced development under the codename Project Gemini before becoming one of two casualties in the studio's June 2025 layoffs.

Originally released in 2021, Outriders blended third-person shooter mechanics with RPG progression in an online co-op format. While attracting 3.5 million players in its first month, the game faced criticism for technical issues, limited endgame content, and inconsistent live-service support. Despite these challenges, it developed a dedicated fanbase hopeful that a sequel could address these shortcomings.

According to Thumb Wars' exclusive report, Project Gemini was "nearly finished" when canceled. The studio cited lack of publisher engagement as the primary reason, with Square Enix (the original game's publisher) believed to be the unnamed partner. This cancellation came alongside Project Bifrost - a new live-service IP described internally as overly generic and lacking creative vision.

The decision to cancel an apparently near-complete sequel raises questions about Square Enix's confidence in the franchise. While Outriders initially showed promise, its player retention may not have met publisher expectations for long-term viability. The crowded live-service market and Project Bifrost's reported shortcomings suggest People Can Fly may refocus on their upcoming Sony collaboration and Gears of War: E-Day co-development.