Alien RPG - Rumour: Canceled by Sega?

[Dhruin]

Kotaku has posted an unconfirmed rumour that Sega has canceled Obsidian's Alien RPG (http://kotaku.com/5152193/rumor-aliens-rpg-canceled-layoffs-hit). Citing "sources", they claim 20 developers have been laid off in the wake of the news.
That said, they acknowledge recent Sega PR on a new Aliens project that refers in passing to titles already in development.
Looking around the web, there are plenty of second-hand rumours but Sega's only response so far is to say they "do not respond to speculation or rumor questions". Obsidian's Matthew Rorie did say this on the forums (http://forums.obsidian.net/index.php?showtopic=51628&st=30):
I hope you guys understand that we really can't say anything. You guys are our community and I think you deserve some kind of comment, but unfortunately that comment is "no comment."
More information. (http://www.rpgwatch.com/show/newsbit?newsbit=11367)

[Gorath]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/rumor-sega-pulls-funding-on-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rp/

[Brother None]

That's basically just the same rumour. Both Joystiq and Kotaku tend to be right sooner than wrong, tho'... I'm guessing we'll have to wait a bit for official word.

But Sega's troubles, the plausibility of the scenario and Obsidian refusing to comment all but confirms this as true. :|

[Gorath]

Yes, It's alarming that neither Obsidian nor Sega issued a (non-)denial. Makes the impression there is nothing to deny.

[Dhruin]

Had already added the Joystiq bit but you guys commented too fast.

Feels real to me, although I think the Obsidian sinking thing at Joystiq is over the top.

Real shame - was really interested in this, despite the little information. Desslock hinted it had some sort of stategic Xcom angle.

[Brother None]

Feels real to me, although I think the Obsidian sinking thing at Joystiq is over the top.

Probably is, but it does mean their fate is tied pretty closely to Alpha Protocol. Closelier than it was, anyway.

[Dhruin]

Agreed.....

[Melvil]

Man, hopefully they won't close. I'm not a huge fan of Obsidian, but I liked NWN2 + MOTB a lot. Hopefully not even the Alien Rpg is off the table, might have been decent.

[JDR13]

I have a hard time imagining how good a crpg would be in that universe anyways.

I really hope they don't cancel Aliens: Colonial Marines though, I was looking forward to blasting some Aliens FPS style.

[Avantenor]

Dammit. I was interested in the Alien RPG, not that much in Alpha Protocol. But it seems as if I'm going to buy that game the day it ships. Not much, but at least a small contribution. I hope Obsidian finds another funding. Maybe Atari? Another D&D game?

[Brother None]

I'm going to have to see Atari weather the current crisis before I'd tag them as a likely future publisher.

Obsidian does have an unannounced RPG still going (at least, so I assume, maybe it's been axed as well), no idea who is publishing that.

[Lucky Day]

they've been dropping hints about NWN3 when usually they've nipped that discussion in the bud as "premature". At least once I remember they redirected the conversation away from another possible expansion to a NWN3. I mean, what does Atari really have left?

[Dhruin]

Yes, the podcast at NWN Podcast with Atari Europe really hinted strongly at NWN3.

[Avantenor]

I mean, what does Atari really have left?
Test Drive Unlimited and several anime titles (Dragon Ball Z, Narruto). They are also merging with Namco Bandai, it seems. At least the announcement of their partnership seemed to me like a merger in installments.

But a NWN3 from Obsidian would be nice. Or Baldur's Gate 3. Though I'm not sure what to think about D&D 4E. It's not popular in germany. I only hope, Obsidian get a grip on their technical problems. It's always the same old song. Good content, bad technical design.

[Gorath]

It would be logical. NWN 2 got more than the planned ROI for that game fund. NWN 3 & Atari & Obsidian would be a bankable combination.

[Avantenor]

What means ROI?

[woges]

Return on Investment.

[Lucky Day]

Test Drive Unlimited and several anime titles (Dragon Ball Z, Narruto). They are also merging with Namco Bandai, it seems. At least the announcement of their partnership seemed to me like a merger in installments.

But a NWN3 from Obsidian would be nice. Or Baldur's Gate 3. Though I'm not sure what to think about D&D 4E. It's not popular in germany. I only hope, Obsidian get a grip on their technical problems. It's always the same old song. Good content, bad technical design.

Are these AAA PC tiltes? Regardless, it sounds positive for the company beause they sure didn't have many console titles when I last looked.

From what several groups of friends in the US and Canada tell me, 4e is very good and doing very well. Don't quote me on that - maybe some numbers guy can show us.
--
So to add some fuel to a stretched out fire what does this mean if Obsidian goes under and this unannounced RPG title possibly called NWN3 is suddenly scrapped?

[PatrickWeekes]

It means one less great RPG company, most likely.

[woges]

I have a hard time imagining how good a crpg would be in that universe anyways.

I thought that at first but then considered all the different possible roles you could need to survive in such an environment, and it got much more interesting.

[khaight]

Obsidian has always reminded me of Troika -- a company run by people better at game design than running a business, and with a reach that exceeds their grasp. This results in ambitious games that get rushed to completion, with incomplete and buggy consequences. Troika went three games and out: Arcanum, Temple of Elemental Evil and Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines. Looks like Obsidian is on the same path, with their three being KOTOR2, NWN2 and Alpha Protocol.

So long, guys, thanks for playing.

[Dyne]

If this is true, I don't get it.

Aliens is a bankable franchise. Why can projects a few years into production, under a valuable licence you've spent a lot of money acquiring?

Unless working an RPG around Aliens was proving more difficult than thought, and the project wasn't going anywhere.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the recent announcement of a new Alien vs Predator FPS by Rebellion.

[Dhruin]

@khaight - I think you're way off. This has little to do with Obsidian - it's all about Sega. Have you thought about their $119M first quarter loss or the 560 jobs they already canned at their end?

We know that KotOR2 was rushed by LucasArts and despite the slow start with NWN2, it was profitable and MotB is an excellent game. They have a rocky road ahead with two projects at a drowning publisher but there's no direct link between that and buggy games.

Edit: Dyne - no money. It may be wasteful to can a game 2 years in development but Sega is in serious shit. They can't afford a niche RPG - they need to spend any money on a guaranteed smash hit (presumably Rebellion). I'm not saying they're necessarily doing the right thing but look at their overall position.

[Dyne]

Yeah, I can see desperation being a reason, but they've got Empire: Total War shipping in a few weeks. I would've thought they'd stay their hand until after some sales figures came back for that, and the rest of their March line-up.

[Morbus]

Man, hopefully they won't close. I'm not a huge fan of Obsidian, but I liked NWN2 + MOTB a lot. Hopefully not even the Alien Rpg is off the table, might have been decent.
Well, how come? NWN2 + MOTB is the only games they developed, why are you not a huge fan if you liked them a lot?

[skavenhorde]

Well, how come? NWN2 + MOTB is the only games they developed, why are you not a huge fan if you liked them a lot?

Wrong.
KOTOR 2, NWN 2, MOTB and SOZ.

At least be correct when being snarky;)

[rune_74]

Wrong.
KOTOR 2, NWN 2, MOTB and SOZ.

At least be correct when being snarky;)

And that folks is what we call a zinger.

[skavenhorde]

Thank you!
You've been a great audiance, remember to tip your waitress on you're way out.:lol:

[stealth]

One way or another I kinda expected something like this would happend. Don't get me wrong I was/am hugely excited about an Alien rpg but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't imagine how one would execute it. It may be solely a matter of Sega having to cut donwn on things they don't think will make big profit but I can't help but feel that the game just weren't coming along well at Obsidian. I mean almost no info has been released about the game or the Gearbox FPS for that matter. It seems likely that both games will never see the light of day.

EDIT: ok, I see they have moved Colonial Marines to 2010 to make way for an AvP game.

[GothicGothicness]

This does not look so good for Obsidian, they better start making console games soon, or they will be in trouble.

On a side note didn't RPGWatch just recently run an article about that they were hiring for alien RPG??

[GhanBuriGhan]

Who holds the rights? Can obsidian shop this around and find another publisher?

[Polyester]

I think that Sega would have the rights.

Anyway, I can't say I was really looking forward to it, but it could be good, an Alien RPG. And I'll be sorry to see Obsidian closed for any reason.

Maybe it's not too late to do another NWN2 expansion? before a third installment ...

[aries100]

Does this effect the development of Alpha Protocol in any way, shape or form ?
Other than Obsidian apparently not having a full studio anymore; 20 people were laid off, it seems.

Might I just add that it would be a real shame if Obsidían closes its doors...

edit:

My (gut) feeling is that this has everything to do with the Alien vs. Predator game being announced; marketing probably saw this is as better way to make money for SEGA - would be my eduacted guess..

Obsidian better be looking for someone that will buy them, then - if they don't want to be closed - by not getting enough in the door to pay the bills - and the developers...

[Maylander]

.. What? Obsidian just fired 20 people? Where did you read that?

[aries100]

It is supposed to be a rumour still, but according to Kotaku's story here:

http://kotaku.com/5152193/rumor-aliens-rpg-canceled-layoffs-hit

It is on Joystiq, too

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/rumor-sega-pulls-funding-on-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rp/#comments

It says 'supposedly'....

And in this thread (right here on the watch)

http://www.rpgwatch.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6395

Patrick Weekes made the second post with a link to the Kotaku story about this - mentioning that more 'than 20 people were laid off last night...' at Obsidian.

And Brother None also said that Kotaku is usually well-informed...

This just reminds on the rumours when Interplay closed Black Isle down in 2002 or 2003? The same 'no comment' on the comments....and nearly all other rumours that floats around the internet - especially when it comes to games being cancelled...

edit:

also someone got let go today (or yesterday)

http://larrycharlesjr.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/larry-charles-jr-is-on-a-new-adventure/

[DArtagnan]

Are you guys kidding when you say you can't imagine how an Aliens CRPG would be executed?

The setting oozes potential, and imagine all the science/research labs, alien hives, military installations, colonies, and so on. You could be exploring those while levelling your marines, doctors, scientists, suits, civilians, and what you like.

You'd encounter mercs and soldiers from "the company", as well as the variety of aliens we've all come to know and appreciate.

Tons of gadgets and loot in general. Military hardware, potential "psi" powers, alien artifacts etc.

Quests? Go explore this colony/base/sciencelab that we lost communication with, and rescue survivors.

You have the chance to explain where the aliens came from, and who made them. You get to expand the life cycle or at least detail it.

I was really looking forward to Obsidian's interpretation of a proper CRPG set in this universe, and I'd LOVE exploring that kind of content.

[txa1265]

Hmmm ... I really don't know what to think. But often projects being vut can be a very good thing for the financial health of a company.

[DArtagnan]

Hmmm ... I really don't know what to think. But often projects being vut can be a very good thing for the financial health of a company.

I'm pretty sure that's the motivator in 99.9% of the cases.

[Gorath]

Even if Alpha Protocoll is only mildly affected by this, it's a crystal clear sign that Sega's partnership with Obsidian is at an end. Add-ons will hardly be greenlit.
If I were on this team I would start writing resumes. There has to be a huge project in the pipeline or people will be let go.

I'm also worried about the Total War studio. They ship in a few weeks. If Sega needs to save money now this studio is in danger, despite producing one hit after the other.

[JDR13]

Well if Super Mario can be made into a decent and successful RPG, I guess anthing could...

[Cabel Blacke]

Even if Alpha Protocoll is only mildly affected by this, it's a crystal clear sign that Sega's partnership with Obsidian is at an end. Add-ons will hardly be greenlit.
If I were on this team I would start writing resumes. There has to be a huge project in the pipeline or people will be let go.

I'm also worried about the Total War studio. They ship in a few weeks. If Sega needs to save money now this studio is in danger, despite producing one hit after the other.

Yeah, this scares me more than either of the Obsidian projects. Total War games are fabulous and have been quite profitable in the past, so I'd be surprised to hear they were dumping that group.

[GothicGothicness]

Hmm, isn't Total War games PC only ??? In that case they are in big trouble.

[wolfing]

Test Drive Unlimited and several anime titles (Dragon Ball Z, Narruto). They are also merging with Namco Bandai, it seems. At least the announcement of their partnership seemed to me like a merger in installments.

But a NWN3 from Obsidian would be nice. Or Baldur's Gate 3. Though I'm not sure what to think about D&D 4E. It's not popular in germany. I only hope, Obsidian get a grip on their technical problems. It's always the same old song. Good content, bad technical design.
D&D 4E is really bad for PnP, because it is the 'WoWization' of D&D. But for computer games it might work.

Are you guys kidding when you say you can't imagine how an Aliens CRPG would be executed?

The setting oozes potential, and imagine all the science/research labs, alien hives, military installations, colonies, and so on. You could be exploring those while levelling your marines, doctors, scientists, suits, civilians, and what you like.

You'd encounter mercs and soldiers from "the company", as well as the variety of aliens we've all come to know and appreciate.

Tons of gadgets and loot in general. Military hardware, potential "psi" powers, alien artifacts etc.

Quests? Go explore this colony/base/sciencelab that we lost communication with, and rescue survivors.

You have the chance to explain where the aliens came from, and who made them. You get to expand the life cycle or at least detail it.

I was really looking forward to Obsidian's interpretation of a proper CRPG set in this universe, and I'd LOVE exploring that kind of content.

Count me as one that doesn't see how Alien can be made into an RPG. An action game yes, absolutely, but an RPG? I don't know. I would need to see it in action but right now I don't think much of the concept.

[JemyM]

The Alien movies so far have been horror movies that only briefly hints of a greater universe outside what you see on the screen.
However, that at the end it's your traditional sci-fi world, added a specific monster. It's not that difficult to build a sci-fi RPG, it have been done many times before. Do that and make sure you cover the stuff that have been done in that universe before and it should be ok.

[wolfing]

The Alien movies so far have been horror movies that only briefly hints of a greater universe outside what you see on the screen.
However, that at the end it's your traditional sci-fi world, added a specific monster. It's not that difficult to build a sci-fi RPG, it have been done many times before. Do that and make sure you cover the stuff that have been done in that universe before and it should be ok.

I guess I'm just no that much into sci-fi RPGs. With fantasy RPGs it's ok to think that a person can grow to be strong enough to solo a giant, but in sci-fi RPGs things still need to make sense (otherwise it's just fantasy in space, like Star Wars).

[DArtagnan]

I think sci-fi is very ripe for the genre, especially in terms of exploration. To me, there's nothing more fascinating than investigating an abandoned science lab or alien base.

Haven't you guys played Buck Rogers/Matrix Cubed? Brilliant in their day.

[JemyM]

I guess I'm just no that much into sci-fi RPGs. With fantasy RPGs it's ok to think that a person can grow to be strong enough to solo a giant, but in sci-fi RPGs things still need to make sense (otherwise it's just fantasy in space, like Star Wars).

In Sci-FI RPG's, upgrading and learning how to use equipment is an important part of the game, including weapons, armor, technology, medicine etc. In theory you can still challenge a giant in a Sci-Fi RPG, providing your equipment is good enough. It might even make more sense than it does in a fantasy rpg.

Star Wars Saga Edition (the Star Wars RPG based on 4th edition D&D) is as far as I concern a great product. Jedi aren't the end of all things in that game, you can be equally legendary/heroic as mercenary, a scoundrel, a scout or why not someone who simply use their brains to get past obstacles.

[woges]

Traveller is nearly as old as me.

[Squeek]

Giger's (http://www.hrgiger.com/) art blew everyone's mind when the original film came out. It seemed gothic and unfamiliar, ancient and threatening as if some evil god, somewhere, had turned phallus worship on its head. The alien was a wicked mockery of a man, one whose world was unimaginable.

Sounds like a fascinating setting for an RPG to me. Too bad this was put on hold.

[wolfing]

In Sci-FI RPG's, upgrading and learning how to use equipment is an important part of the game, including weapons, armor, technology, medicine etc. In theory you can still challenge a giant in a Sci-Fi RPG, providing your equipment is good enough. It might even make more sense than it does in a fantasy rpg.


Well I'm talking more as in action vs. RPG. Sure you can upgrade your armor and weapons in sci-fi... but you can do that in Quake and that doesn't make it an RPG. A kid can be taught how to handle a machine gun in a day (ask some afghan kids).
I guess my problem is the same problem I have with, say, the series 24 and Lost. To me, Lost is a fantasy series, so I easily accept what goes on there, the island doing all sorts of crazy things is ok with me, but since 24 is based on reality, I find it pretty unbelievable (in a bad way).

[DArtagnan]

Well I'm talking more as in action vs. RPG. Sure you can upgrade your armor and weapons in sci-fi... but you can do that in Quake and that doesn't make it an RPG. A kid can be taught how to handle a machine gun in a day (ask some afghan kids).
I guess my problem is the same problem I have with, say, the series 24 and Lost. To me, Lost is a fantasy series, so I easily accept what goes on there, the island doing all sorts of crazy things is ok with me, but since 24 is based on reality, I find it pretty unbelievable (in a bad way).

Why don't you tell us what's important to you in an RPG - and tell us why that's not possible in a sci-fi setting.

I'm not sure why you're talking about believability, because the aliens setting is already a bit fantastical in terms of the creature itself. Beyond that, there's nothing particularly unrealistic about it, even though it's set in the far future. The movies were certainly relatively grounded in reality - especially the first two.

24 is pop-culture garbage that has nothing to do with present day reality - but I don't see how that relates to aliens in any way.

But I'm curious what's missing that's so vital.

[Morbus]

Wrong.
KOTOR 2, NWN 2, MOTB and SOZ.

At least be correct when being snarky;)

Forgot all about KotOR2 :P But SOZ was made by Ossian, not Obsidian. A few less letters :P

[Avantenor]

Incorrect. Ossian did Mysteries of Westgate. Storm of Zehir was indeed made by Obsidian.

[woges]

According to this report, (http://weblogs.variety.com/the_cut_scene/2009/02/segas-aliens-games-are-not-cancelled-may-get-new-developers.html) Sega maybe tossing the game to another developer.

[Dhruin]

Not a chance. Maybe for the Gearbox thing but there simply isn't another studio that could pick up Obsidian's work and satisfactorily complete it, not to mention the lost productivity in the transfer and gear-up in the new studio. I know it's been done a few times before but I can't think of a success story and Obsidian are too specialist.

Besides, it just doesn't make sense. We know Sega is struggling financially, which makes the money the obvious reason, not quality concerns. The rumour that Aliens has been put on hold so OBS can work double-time on AP makes much more sense to me.

As an aside, those of you that can't see how an Alien RPG would work are insane. ;)

[woges]

And word from Feargus Urquhart that Obsidian are 'doing fine'. (http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/02/13/obsidian-ceo-we-are-doing-fine/)


According to what Urquhart told us, "We are doing fine and do not have to shut down operations. We are still actively developing Alpha Protocol and are working on another couple of properties." Alpha Protocol is Obsidian's other game for Sega, a first person action-RPG in the super-spy genre that is expected to be released sometime in 2009. Urquhart would not comment on the rumors of the Aliens RPG cancelation nor on the reports of layoffs at the company. One of their other games they might be working on is a rumored third expansion pack for Neverwinter Nights 2.

[Starwars]

Not to mention that Alien is being done on OEIs own engine (Onyx) which, as far as I know, they own.

I also think the info that Alien might be on hold and all resources are put into Alpha Protocol at the moment could make some sense. Monty Markland (developer on Alien) even said on the Codex that he was at work and playing Alpha Protocol. Maybe a subtle hint? *overanalyzing*.

It sucks that they had to lay off people though.

[Zygo]

Also, Onyx is incomplete. No realistic chance of it being shopped out to someone else.

[Avantenor]

Where can I find more info about OEIs Onyx engine?

[JonNik]

Giger's (http://www.hrgiger.com/) art blew everyone's mind when the original film came out. It seemed gothic and unfamiliar, ancient and threatening as if some evil god, somewhere, had turned phallus worship on its head. The alien was a wicked mockery of a man, one whose world was unimaginable.

Sounds like a fascinating setting for an RPG to me. Too bad this was put on hold.

+1
I have to agree with Squeek and DArtagnan, this was such an enticing prospect.
Sorry to see it go and to hear about Obsidian's troubles...

[hishadow]

I wonder how the furniture market is doing...
http://www.gigerworkcatalog.com/photos/valencia/original/exhibition_18.jpg

[Zygo]

Where can I find more info about OEIs Onyx engine?
There's a thread at Obsidian's forums (in the ARPG forum) with some info. There's not much publicly available though.