7 Video Games That Survived Development Hell (And How)

Team Bondi’s neo-noir detective thriller L.A. Noire was a technical marvel when it released in 2011, never before had gamers seen facial animations with anywhere close to the level of detail on show. But it was just that attention to detail that saw the game miss its original release window by three years.

L.A. Noire, famously, was the first game to use MotionScan – a state-of-the-art motion capture technology that utilised 32 cameras to capture facial expressions from the game’s actors in excruciating detail. This level of detail was vital to one of the game’s core mechanics – interrogation. Players were charged with interrogating perps and judging whether they were telling the truth by studying their face. It was incredible and unique.

The only problems with this level of detail: it took ages and cost a fortune. The game slipped from its internally slated “fiscal 2008” release window. And this was only the first delay.

According to a series of email leaks, Rockstar were ultimately forced to step in and ensure the game was actually completed. It eventually released in May 2011, after seven years in development, as a commercial and critical success. But the damage had already been done; Team Bondi was liquidated just six months later.