10 Iconic Video Games You Almost Lost To Development Hell
6. Psychonauts
Originally a Microsoft exclusive title, Tim Schafers Psychonauts began life as a horror game through and through. However, mid-way through development, Double Fine decided the new project needed to be lighter in tone, injecting more moments of levity and comic book humour into the experience. Unfortunately, Microsoft didnt agree with the game's change in direction towards more family-friendly territory and dropped the project while it was still very much being worked on. As a result, it was delayed indefinitely while Double Fine scrambled for a new publisher. Thankfully, they didnt have to look for too long, as the rights to the title were snapped up by Majesco Entertainment, and the game was modified and ported to the PS2 and PC to release alongside Microsofts original Xbox.
Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.
