10 Video Games That've SUDDENLY VANISHED

TL;DR

A recap of ten long-awaited video games with little to no updates.

Transcript

(digital music) - [Narrator] So about every year or so on this channel, we do a bit of a check-in on some games that were announced and went completely dark or even vanished. Whether it's the span of a long couple of months or a few years, these games have just left us wanting to hear something about them, anything really. We got 10 games to talk a... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Many anticipated games suffer from development delays, often caused by leadership changes and restructuring within studios.
• ❓ The gaming industry is still recovering from setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting multiple titles' timelines.
• 😍 Notable franchises like "Metroid" and "Prince of Persia" are under active development but are prioritizing quality over rushed releases.
• ⛔ Transparency from developers is crucial; regular updates, even if limited, can help maintain player interest and trust.
• 🎮 Potential future releases may be reliant on adapting to the next generation of gaming consoles, complicating production.
• 🤩 Hiring for key roles at development studios often indicates ongoing projects, even amid silence on public platforms.
• 👾 The lengthy development cycles of games like "Elder Scrolls VI" highlight the complexities and challenges of modern game development.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why has there been little news about "Perfect Dark" since its announcement?

"Perfect Dark" has been plagued by typical development delays, including leadership changes and staffing issues. Despite the initial flashy trailer, reports indicate that actual development work had barely begun at that point, which contributes to its silence since the announcement.

Q: What prompted Nintendo to restart development on "Metroid Prime 4"?

Nintendo announced that "Metroid Prime 4" was not meeting their quality standards, leading to a restart in collaboration with Retro Studios, the creators of the original series. This decision demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to ensuring the game meets fan expectations despite the lengthy development process.

Q: What is the current status of the "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake"?

The "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake" has seen multiple delays and a shift to development at Ubisoft Montreal. The last update from Ubisoft in May 2023 confirmed that the project is still alive, though no new content has been shared publicly for some time.

Q: Why is "Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2" facing continuous delays?

The delays stem from significant internal changes in development teams, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to transition to next-gen consoles. After switching developers and experiencing various setbacks since its announcement in 2019, updates on its release remain scarce.

Q: How has "Hytale" progressed despite its quiet development phase?

Although "Hytale" has not made headlines frequently, the development team recently shared updates indicating that they hit a major milestone with their first external play test. This suggests progress, though the overall public presence has been limited.

Q: What did the FTC hearings reveal about "Elder Scrolls VI"?

During the FTC hearings, a Microsoft lawyer mentioned that "Elder Scrolls VI" is projected for a 2026 release, though this may change as games often face delays. This information, while unofficial, hints at a substantial wait for fans of the series.

Q: What is the current situation with "System Shock 3"?

"System Shock 3" is in limbo after Tencent acquired the rights in 2022. There has been no significant news regarding its development, leading to speculation about whether it will be prioritized by the conglomerate or ultimately shelved.

Q: Are there any updates on the "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake"?

As per the latest reports, the "Knights of the Old Republic Remake" is still listed as in development by Embracer Group. Though there have been numerous changes in the development team, including shifts to Saber Interactive, it has not been officially canceled.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content explores ten video games that have notably gone silent after their initial announcements, leaving fans eagerly anticipating updates or release dates.

• Each game discussed has experienced delays due to various reasons, such as changes in development leadership, shifts in creative direction, or broader industry challenges like the pandemic.

• Despite the lack of news, the narratives surrounding these games suggest hope for their future, with some studios still hiring for roles related to game development.