Unreleased TimeSplitters Game Footage Surfaces Online
Get a sneak peek at the unreleased fourth installment of the iconic TimeSplitters series, as shared by a former developer from Free Radical Design. Dive into the world of canceled games and explore what could have been in this exciting reveal.
Footage of the recently canceled TimeSplitters briefly appeared on the internet. The original TimeSplitters game was released in 2000, bearing notable similarities to GoldenEye, but having enough of its own flair to make it a hit. The TimeSplitters series gained a cult following in the PS2 era, continuing until the release of the third game in 2005. There were attempts to reboot the series, but ultimately nothing substantial.
In 2019, a THQ financial report alongside a confirmation from Dambuster Studios on Twitter proved that there was a new TimeSplitters product being worked on. The original development studio of the TimeSplitters games, Free Radical Design, was reshaped under Deep Silver and the game was officially announced in a pre-development stage. Alongside the avalanche of gaming studio closures and layoffs last year, Free Radical Design closed down as a part of it and Deep Silver's parent company Embracer Group's restructuring.
Ex-Developer Rob Steptoe shared five minutes of gameplay footage in a now deleted Linkedin post featured on IGN. In the post, Steptoe mentions the canceled TimeSplitters game and takes a playful jab at Embracer Group. It's uncertain if this was a comment on the game's quality, its cancellation, or the industry's shift towards live service gaming trends.
A shotgun aimed at a zombie next to a fallen one
Similarities Between Canceled TimeSplitters Game and Fortnite
The footage of the canceled TimeSplitters game showed striking similarities to the popular game Fortnite. The art-style was more cartoonish, the movement resembled a third-person shooter, and the weapon loadout used color coding to show item quality and rarity. Fans of the TimeSplitters series were surprised by these similarities since the original games were gritty first-person shooters. This shift in format and tone made some fans more accepting of the game's cancelation, as it didn't capture the essence of the beloved PS2 gaming era.
It makes us wonder why the game was selected for a reboot when it would inevitably go head-to-head with Fortnite, one of the most beloved live-service video games. Perhaps the fourth TimeSplitters game was intended to be a first-person shooter like its predecessors, but underwent significant changes during development. Unfortunately, gamers can only rely on information shared by developers like Steptoe to confirm these speculations.
Editor's P/S:
The glimpse into the canceled TimeSplitters game is bittersweet. While it's disappointing that we won't get to experience a fully realized version, it's fascinating to see how the series might have evolved. The similarities to Fortnite are intriguing but also a bit disheartening, as it suggests the game may have lost some of its unique identity.
The article raises questions about the future of gaming and the challenges faced by developers. The shift towards live-service games is a double-edged sword, offering constant updates and engagement but potentially compromising creative vision. It's a reminder that the industry is constantly changing, and even beloved franchises must adapt to survive.
