As if we needed another reminder of how much of an achievement just shipping a video game is in itself, news is trickling out that the reasonably anticipated sequel to Prey has been cancelled. Bethesda has yet to confirm pulling the plug on Prey 2, but all press event talks planned to support the game are apparently being cancelled, to the developers’ chagrin.
“Yes, Zenimax forced us to pull all Prey 2 related talks from GDC. I’m pretty devastated by the news. This was to be my first conf talk,” according to Human Head’s Brian Kari, lead programmer. The original Prey’s success came as a surprise at the time. The sequel might have pulled the same rabbit out of the hat, given the chance.
The Journey of Prey
The original Prey, released in 2006, was a first-person shooter that garnered a cult following due to its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline. Developed by Human Head Studios and published by 2K Games, Prey introduced players to Tommy, a Cherokee mechanic who finds himself aboard an alien spaceship. The game was praised for its innovative use of portals and gravity-defying puzzles, which were groundbreaking at the time. Despite its success, the journey to create a sequel was fraught with challenges.
Prey 2 was announced in 2011, and it promised to expand on the original’s universe with a new protagonist, Killian Samuels, a U.S. Marshal turned bounty hunter on an alien planet. The game was set to feature an open-world environment, a departure from the linear gameplay of its predecessor. Fans were excited about the potential of exploring a vast, alien world filled with diverse characters and missions.
Challenges and Cancellation
However, the development of Prey 2 was anything but smooth. Reports of internal struggles and disagreements between Human Head Studios and Bethesda began to surface. The game’s development timeline was plagued with delays, and rumors of its cancellation started circulating as early as 2012. Despite these challenges, the developers remained hopeful and continued to work on the game.
The cancellation of Prey 2 is a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by game developers. Creating a video game is a complex process that involves not just coding and design, but also coordination between various teams, securing funding, and meeting deadlines. The cancellation of a highly anticipated game like Prey 2 can be a significant blow to both the developers and the fans who have been eagerly waiting for its release.
The gaming industry is no stranger to such setbacks. Many other games have faced similar fates, such as Star Wars 1313, a game that promised to delve into the underworld of Coruscant but was ultimately cancelled after Disney acquired Lucasfilm. Another example is Silent Hills, a collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro, which was cancelled despite the release of a highly praised playable teaser.
The cancellation of Prey 2 also highlights the importance of communication between developers and publishers. Disagreements and misaligned visions can lead to significant delays and, in some cases, the complete shutdown of a project. It’s crucial for both parties to work together harmoniously to bring a game to fruition.
Despite the cancellation of Prey 2, the Prey franchise was not entirely abandoned. In 2017, Arkane Studios released a reimagined version of Prey, which received positive reviews for its atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay. While it was not a direct sequel to the original Prey, it managed to capture the essence of what made the first game special.
The cancellation of Prey 2 serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by game developers. The journey from concept to release is fraught with obstacles, and not every game makes it to the finish line. However, the passion and dedication of developers like those at Human Head Studios ensure that the spirit of innovation and creativity in the gaming industry continues to thrive. While Prey 2 may never see the light of day, its legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the continued evolution of the Prey franchise.
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