Dishonored wouldn't exist without failed Thief 4, Blade Runner pitches

Former Arkane developers say Dishonored grew out of two failed pitches: a Thief 4 project and a Blade Runner game.

Bethesda reportedly could not secure the licenses, then told Arkane to keep the work and turn it into an original IP.

That decision led to Dishonored, one of Arkane Studios’ signature stealth games.

The story highlights how canceled licensed projects can evolve into major new franchises.