As of now, there is no confirmed public statement from People Can Fly or Square Enix directly attributing the cancellation of Outriders to a "lack of communication" between the developer and publisher. However, rumors and speculation have circulated in gaming news circles suggesting that internal tensions and misalignment between People Can Fly and Square Enix may have played a role in the cancellation of Outriders 2 (originally titled Outriders 2: The Darker Shores), which was officially canceled in 2023. People Can Fly, known for their work on Gears of War: E-Day and The Medium, had been developing a new Outriders game under a new contract with Square Enix. The cancellation came after a series of delays, development issues, and reportedly changing creative visions between the studio and Square Enix. Some insiders and industry observers have speculated that poor communication, differing expectations, and shifting priorities contributed to the project’s demise. That said, Square Enix has not publicly confirmed that a lack of communication was the root cause. The publisher has stated that the cancellation was due to the need to "reassess" the franchise’s direction and focus on long-term sustainability, not solely due to internal studio issues. In summary: No official statement confirms "lack of communication" as the direct reason for the cancellation. Industry speculation and developer insights suggest misalignment between People Can Fly and Square Enix may have been a factor. The cancellation appears to stem from a combination of creative differences, development challenges, and strategic shifts. For the most accurate information, always refer to official statements from Square Enix or People Can Fly.