Because apparently we haven’t milked this franchise enough yet, IO Interactive has been working on a new RPG IP called Project Fantasy, and I’m sure it was going to be a totally original and not-at-all-rehashed concept. But alas, it seems that XBOX has pulled out of the project, because what’s a little thing like a global economic downturn when you can just cancel a game and lay off some staff? Nature is healing, indeed.
The Saga of Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has been on a roll lately, what with their work on HITMAN World of Assassination and 007 First Light. But it seems that their latest endeavor, Project Fantasy, has hit a snag. And by snag, I mean a complete and utter roadblock courtesy of XBOX. It’s not like we haven’t seen this before – a big publisher gets cold feet, and suddenly a promising game is left to wither and die. Some executive somewhere got a bonus for this, I’m sure.
XBOX: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
A Bloomberg report has revealed that XBOX was the third party responsible for the shake-up in Project Fantasy development. Because, of course, it was. I mean, who needs a good game when you can just cancel it and save a few bucks? An Xbox spokesperson said, “We’re not reducing our overall investment in games… What’s changing is where we’re investing and the kinds of projects we’re backing.” Which is just corporate speak for “we’re cutting costs and don’t care about your feelings.” Shareholders rejoice, I’m sure.
The Future of Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has stated that they remain “100% committed” to Project Fantasy, which is just what I want to hear – a developer being committed to a project that’s been canceled. It’s not like they have anything better to do, like, say, making a new game that people actually want to play. At this point, even the loading screens have lore, so I’m sure Project Fantasy will be just fine. Live-service enthusiasts are preparing the candles and summoning circle, no doubt.
Conclusion: Another Day, Another Roadmap
And so, another game bites the dust. But hey, at least we can look forward to more endless sequels, remasters, and DLCs. Because that’s what the gaming industry is all about – milking a franchise for all it’s worth until it’s nothing but a hollow shell of its former self. The PS2 memory card community is devastated, I’m sure. Oh well, on to the next game, and the next, and the next. Another day, another roadmap, another opportunity for corporate executives to make bank while gamers are left in the dust. Joy.
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