10 Promising Video Game Sequels Stuck In Development Hell
6. System Shock 3
A pioneer of the immersive SIM genre, System Shock's brand of sci-fi horror role-playing was an incredibly unique game for its time, offering players more dynamic choices in the moment-to-moment gameplay. The cult following its sequel developed in 1999 was one of the most dedicated in the industry.
Over two decades after System Shock's last release and eight years after its spiritual successor Bioshock burnt out, interest started to grow in the franchise again. Plans were made to both remake the original title and develop a full-blooded third entry.
Development was to be handled by Otherside Entertainment who had been granted the rights to the series by Night Dive Studios. Even visionary game director Warren Spector got onboard and things started to move forward. It should have been a dream project for Otherside, but unforseen events have plunged the game into development hell.
Conflicting reports from the team have emerged; some of the devs say they are no longer employed as the company has been acquired by Chinese conglomerate Tencent. Others say the project is still proceeding as planned, including Spector himself, who said Tencent have merely acquired the license rather than shutting down development altogether. We may be waiting a while for System Shock 3 to arrive.