Blizzard’s ambitious survival game, initially unveiled in early 2022 after over four years of development, garnered acclaim from employees. However, Microsoft’s recent decision to cancel the project after a total of six years in development has left many of its developers unemployed.
Developers’ Departure
Key team members, including former associate narrative director Matt London, senior concept artist Marby Kwong, and senior software engineer Renato Iwashima, among others, have been laid off. The project’s director, Craig Amai, is now actively assisting the displaced team members in finding new opportunities.
Concept and Hype
The survival game was teased as a fresh and distinctive addition to Blizzard’s portfolio, featuring modern-day humans in a fantastical realm. Limited concept art hinted at a storyline reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia, generating excitement among Blizzard employees and the gaming community.
Positive Responses Amid Controversy
Despite the cancellation, the survival game received praise from within Blizzard, even amid a backdrop of controversy over sexism allegations. Social media reactions were notably positive, leading to speculation about Blizzard’s involvement, which the company denied.
Company-Wide Restructuring
The cancellation and subsequent layoffs are part of a broader restructuring initiative affecting 1,900 jobs across Activision Blizzard and other Microsoft gaming companies. According to reports, the survival game’s slow development was influenced by a shift from Unreal Engine to an internal engine named Synapse.
Blizzard’s Perspective
Blizzard acknowledged the challenges posed by the decision, emphasizing their commitment to experimentation and risk-taking in the creative process. The company expressed gratitude to the talented individuals who contributed to the project and highlighted the potential for ideas to find new life in other games or become standalone projects.
Developers’ Dilemma
Former developers, now facing unemployment, encounter the added challenge of job hunting without a shipped game on their resumes. The competitive nature of the game development industry often requires candidates to have experience with released titles.
Conclusion
Blizzard’s Unannounced Survival Game, despite its cancellation, leaves a legacy of creativity and dedication from its development team. The challenges faced by the displaced developers highlight the uncertainties in the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
