Sometimes, the video game industry isn’t very kind to titles based on some of the best characters and franchises, like Batman, Star Wars, and others. What happens next is that these projects are announced and revealed but are unfortunately canceled.
Some of these titles were the reason for a lot of hype among gamers. Regardless, fans post about some of these games on social media after their cancellation. And video game studios should reconsider their decision to cancel them.
#5 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Batman video games aren’t novel by any means. From vintage games on the NES to the Arkhamverse. However, in the 2000s and the years following, the only significant titles that have come out based on the character have been by Rocksteady and WB Montreal, which have been part of the Arkhamverse.
But soon after Arkham Asylum‘s success, Day 1 Studios, which is the developer known for titles in the FEAR series, began work on one of the best comic book series based on the Caped Crusader, which was 1989’s one-shot comic titled Gotham by Gaslight. Sadly, the newfound popularity that the World’s Greatest Detective enjoyed with the Arkhamverse wasn’t enough to sustain this project.
#4 Star Wars 1313
There can never be enough Star Wars media, and every franchise fan is guaranteed to agree with that statement. Lucasfilm Games, the subsidiary of Lucasfilm, was acquired by Disney, and in 2021, Star Wars 1313 was developed by Red Fly Studio.
However, soon after the company’s acquisition by Disney, layoffs, which are even worse in the current times, were announced due to Lucasfilm Games shifting to a different model. The game was supposed to be based on Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace.
While it was never officially canceled, it is doubtful that a project as old as 1313 would be revived; it certainly didn’t deserve to be shelved. While EA’s work on the Star Wars Jedi games has been phenomenal, and Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws looks ambitious, Red Fly Studio deserved its shot to create a Star Wars title, too.
#3 Titanfall 3
Titanfall 2 remains one of the most acclaimed FPS titles in recent years. With fluid movement, an incredible storyline, satisfying gunplay, and an incredible experience with Titans, the in-game mechs made it a must-try.
Respawn’s work with the game inspired it to develop Apex Legends, the fast-paced Battle Royale, one of the most unique and popular among its contemporaries. While the game wasn’t directly tied to Titanfall 2, one can instantly see the similarities regarding the in-game assets, the mechanics, and the movement.
While there was a lot of speculation about why there wasn’t a third installment for the series, and while most people were assuming that EA was to blame for pulling the plug, Titanfall designer Mohammad Alavi stated that it was what Respawn was doing. But it might still be on the cards, and if it is, respawning it (pun intended) would be a lovely idea.
#2 Silent Hills
During Hideo Kojima’s time at Konami, the company released P.T., which was short for Playable Teaser. The title is still regarded as one of the most bone-chilling horror video games ever to be released, despite not being a full-length game. People began discussing it on social media due to the game’s challenging puzzles.
Towards the end, the game’s teaser revealed that Norman Reedus would be playing the protagonist in the canceled game. After Kojima-san left Konami, P.T. was pulled off the PlayStation Store, making it impossible for anyone to get their hands on it. While it is unknown if Konami will work on Silent Hills, Kojima Productions is still working on O.D., another upcoming horror game.
#1 Prey 2
The Prey reboot was a huge success among critics and gamers alike. People appreciated the game’s flexibility and offered many ways to get from point A to point B. The game’s premise was also engaging enough to keep the player hooked on its plot.
But not many people may know that Human Head Studios was developing a sequel to the original 2006 game. It was formally canceled before the franchise was rebooted, and now, after Arkane Austin’s closure, it is more than likely that we won’t see a game based on the Prey series any time soon.
Among all of these canceled games, which one were you looking forward to the most? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
