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The world of Video Games is is full of uncertainties. We often fall victim to hype only to be disappointed when our most highly anticipated games are delayed. I often spend a lot of time trying to impress on people that these delays often bode well for the title to no avail. The truth is, delays are necessary in an industry that is so reliant on technology, especially when financial success is often times hinged on the performance of that tech. Unfortunately for the consumers, publishers often set unrealistic target release dates for games in order to build hype early in hopes of having a successful launch. 2010 had it's fair share of these delays and I would be willing to bet 2011 will be no different.
I have compiled a list of 5 games that I would be willing to bet won't hit store shelves in 2011 as originally promised. While I hope I am wrong, I can't help but look at the facts. Of course, none of these are guarantees and if we are lucky, we will be playing these games sooner than expected.
| Top 5 Anticipated Delays of 2011 | |
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[caption id="attachment_12625" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="I Am Alive - Ubisoft "] | To say that Ubisoft has it's hands full right now would be a massive understatement. With Assassin's Creed becoming there cash cow IP and other popular titles like Splinter Cell, Raving Rabbids, and Just Dance occupying so much of their resources, it's no wonder everybody has completely forgotten their ambitious title "I Am Alive." Set in Chicago after a MASSIVE earthquake devastates the metropolis, players must fight to survive and make some morally questionable decisions in order to stay alive.
The title was quietly announced at E3 2008 only to be quickly forgotten about. With the game obviously not hitting it's planned 2010 release date and with Ubisoft still tight lipped about the status of the project, my spider sense is telling me that "I Am Alive" will probably slip into early 2012. Of course, with the company's track record for being forthcoming with information on the project, that will probably happen quietly as well. They probably assume no will notice but I can assure you Ubisoft, we have and will continue to notice. |
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[caption id="attachment_12735" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Final Fantasy Versus XIII - Square Enix"] | In the past, Final Fantasy has built itself a reputation for prolonging the development process. Square-Enix has always taken the time to meticulously make each and every entry it's own unique entity. With 3 to 4 years usually separating the major entries in the series and Final Fantasy XIII just over 9 months old, Versus XIII is an obvious choice for a major delay in 2011.
Of course, Versus XIII is a different animal, being the second entry in a planned tri-fecta of titles sharing the XIII label. While Versus XIII has been in development alongside XIII, the vast majority of Square's resources seemed to have been focused on FFXIII proper and FFXIV. With details about the story and gameplay mechanics slim at best, I find it difficult to believe that it would make it's 2011 release window. Of course, with the largely negative critical response to FFXIII, I wouldn't be surprised if Square takes a little extra time to ensure they get it right this time. |
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[caption id="attachment_12745" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="The Last Guardian - Team Ico (Sony)"] | Unfortunately, a game as profound and inspiring as The Last Guardian is subject to delays more often than most titles. It is by far one of the most elusive but exciting titles to come around in years. Team Ico is no stranger to the quality over quantity but they haven't been shy about stringing us along.
With the Last Guardian getting its grand reveal at E3 2009 but being strangely absent from most events that followed, it is certain that all of its cards are yet to hit the table. Despite having a title and a basic concept, the current release date is anticipated to be late 2011 already. Until Sony pulls the curtain back completely, nothing is set in stone. |
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[caption id="attachment_12835" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Bethesda"] | It seems that Bethesda is gearing up to release a truly monumental entry in the famed Elder Scrolls series and I can't help but anticipate a delay. I know they have mostly had their hands free since the release of Fallout 3 since Obsidian took the reigns for New Vegas but Skyrim is special case for a number of reasons.
Not only has Bethesda spent a lot of time redesigning the core mechanics and interface but they have designed an entirely new world from the ground up using a NEW ENGINE. With the nasty reputation that Gamebryo has built for itself over the years, I believe the pressure to deliver a smooth, polished game is higher than ever. Don't mistake this for doubt because I believe Todd Howard's team is up to the task but I think to assume this game will actually hit its initial proposed release date is silly. I hope I'm wrong. |
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[caption id="attachment_12840" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Max Payne 3 - Rockstar Vancouver"] | Max Payne's return to the lime light was a big deal when Game Informer revealed the game over a year ago. Marking the first entry in the series to be developed by a studio other than Remedy (Rockstar Vancouver) as well as the first to not be written by series creator, Sam Lake, there is certainly a lot of interest in this entry. With an obviously different tone and artistic styling than the original, Rockstar is certainly taking a lot of chances with their newly acquired IP.
With risk comes unpredictability and despite already being pushed from 2009 to 2010, the title was nowhere to be found on a recently released Rockstar release calender. Of course, maybe they don't want to make any promises but I would be willing to bet that Max Payne will slip to a Q1 2012 release date. Personally, I would consider this a good move to allow some extra time for polish and avoid the already crowded holiday release window. |
For those who have not been paying attention, a slew of highly anticipated titles have already slipped either into later 2011 dates or slipped into 2012 all together. Here's a recap:
- Aliens Colonial Marines - Pushed to 2012
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Pushed to mid to late 2011
- Metal Gear Solid Rising - Pushed to 2012
- F.E.A.R. 3 - Pushed to May 2011
**UPDATE: Thanks to Skyjino (on twitter) for bringing the following article to my attention. It looks like Aliens: Colonial Marines might make in 2011 according to Randy Pitchford at Gearbox. Gearbox Response to Aliens Delay Rumors
Comments
13 years, 10 months ago
Last Guardian? Say it ain't so!
I get the feeling it'll slip into 2012 as well to be honest. And then i will be sad. I don't think LA Noire will make 2011 either; is it predicted to, or...?
13 years, 10 months ago
Portal 2 should be on the list, cause if they still follow Valve time itll be out this summer
13 years, 10 months ago
really sad that these games might not come out, but the year is still packed with great titles to keep us busy for awhile
13 years, 10 months ago
Even though you're probably right about The Last Guardian... I really hope you're wrong lol. Also, I kinda wouldn't be surprised if FFXIII versus doesn't just get canceled altogether. And as for I Am Alive, I'm seriously looking forward to that one.. The premise just seems really cool to me.
13 years, 10 months ago
was looking forward to I am alive when it was being made by Darkworks, who made the underrated Cold Fear, but then it got passed to another ubisoft studio that makes me think it's either getting completely redone or the game will be a mix of darkworks and ubisoft shanghai's vision, which could turn out bad. hopefully it will be good though, has a lot of potential if done properly.
FFversus13, haven't heard anything new about that in a while, have any gameplay videos been released yet? also what happened to the final fantasy tie in on the PSP? that seems to have gone unnoticed aswell.
Last guardian should be good, I just hope they fix the camera and control issues that were in shadow of the colossus.
and elder scrolls 5 is elder scrolls 5, will take a major screw up from bethesda for it to not be anything but fantastic.
13 years, 10 months ago
bah, so man delays
13 years, 10 months ago
I have no interest in last guardian, I don't care how much people love shadows, the game was mediocrity at best with is ass camera and shitty controls
13 years, 10 months ago
Unfortunately these games are the ones that will probably get delayed. However I could see Tod Howard getting his team together to release it on that date. We have been waiting to see what they will do since Fallout 3, but you never know.
13 years, 10 months ago
i agree on all of those, but you forgot one: diablo III. i mean, sure, they've had 9 years to work on it, but you know blizzard with their perfectionism and all. i'd bet money that they're going to end up throwing in some other random features that'll hold them back until early 2012.
13 years, 10 months ago
I am alive had a producer move over to assassins creed I believe so that would explain the delay. I am glad that Skyrim is receiving the attention it deserves
Excellent post by the way Nick Very well organised
13 years, 10 months ago
lol I remember you guys screaming when you heard TLG was announced. That trailer still gives me chills.