The original X-Com was the game that launched a thousand game industry careers. While it certainly sold well for the time and made a solid amount of money, its real success is being cited among early influences by a large number of today’s developers. All of which makes the thought that it was once almost cancelled and the second time cancelled for real a bit terrifying.
“[Spectrum Holobyte] came to review the projects in development in the UK and they took one look at X-Com and said ‘Nah, we don’t like this – cancel this project’, driving creative force behind the game Julian Gollop said at GDC. “The project was actually officially cancelled. However, Pete Moreland, Adrian Parr, and Paul Hibbard [Microprose top brass] got together. They had a meeting and decided no, we’re going to continue with this project. They didn’t tell Spectrum Holobyte this, by the way. So really, thanks to the support from Microprose UK, the project was saved.”
The Impact of X-Com on the Gaming Industry
X-Com: UFO Defense, known as UFO: Enemy Unknown in Europe, was released in 1994 and quickly became a cult classic. Its blend of strategic base management and tactical combat was revolutionary at the time. The game allowed players to manage resources, research alien technology, and engage in turn-based combat against extraterrestrial threats. This combination of gameplay elements has influenced countless games since its release.
Many modern developers cite X-Com as a major influence on their work. For example, the creators of the popular game series “Fire Emblem” and “Advance Wars” have acknowledged the impact X-Com had on their design philosophies. The game’s emphasis on strategic depth and player choice has become a staple in the strategy genre.
The Near-Death Experience of X-Com
The story of X-Com’s near cancellation is a testament to the passion and determination of its creators. Julian Gollop, the mastermind behind the game, faced significant challenges during its development. Spectrum Holobyte, the parent company of Microprose, was not impressed with the project and decided to pull the plug. This decision could have spelled the end for X-Com, but the team at Microprose UK had other plans.
Pete Moreland, Adrian Parr, and Paul Hibbard, key figures at Microprose, believed in the potential of X-Com. They held a secret meeting and decided to continue development without informing Spectrum Holobyte. This act of defiance ultimately saved the project and allowed it to become the influential game it is today.
The success of X-Com can also be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game introduced the concept of permadeath, where soldiers lost in battle were gone for good. This added a layer of emotional investment and tension that was rare in games at the time. Players had to carefully consider their actions and decisions, knowing that a single mistake could have lasting consequences.
Furthermore, X-Com’s open-ended gameplay and procedural generation ensured that no two playthroughs were the same. This replayability factor kept players engaged for hours on end and contributed to the game’s long-lasting appeal.
The original X-Com’s journey from near cancellation to becoming a cornerstone of the gaming industry is a remarkable story. Its innovative gameplay, strategic depth, and lasting influence have left an indelible mark on the world of video games. Thanks to the unwavering support of Microprose UK and the determination of its creators, X-Com continues to inspire and captivate players and developers alike.
Source Gamespot, Eurogamer
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