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This is what happened to Star Wars Battlefront 3

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:00 EST

Despite our infinite sadness that TimeSplitters 4 is not in development right now, at least we have some closure regarding developer Free Radical Design today. Steve Ellis, one of three individuals who left Rare after the completion of GoldenEye 007 on the N64 and founded Free Radical Design, has shed some light on what happened to the UK-based developer - and why we never got Star Wars Battlefront 3, even though Free Radical basically finished it in 2008.

"It was a big thing, we were very excited and for a long time it was going very well," Ellis told GI.biz in an interview that focuses on the rise of Free Radical and how it eventually became Crytek UK. "That was a big deal for us because it meant putting all our eggs in one basket. It was a critical decision - do we want to bet on LucasArts? And we chose to because things were going as well as they ever had. It was a project that looked like it would probably be the most successful thing we had ever done and they were asking us to make the sequel to it too. It seemed like a no-brainer." But then things got a bit rocky due to a shift in LucasArts management. Key individuals left the company and suddenly things were looking grim for Free Radical's Battlefront 3.

"LucasArts' opinion is that when you launch a game you have to spend big on the marketing and they're right. But at that time they were, for whatever reason, unable to commit to spending big. They effectively canned a game that was finished." As of March 2008, Free Radical had a competent working build. "It was pretty much done, it was in final QA. It had been in final QA for half of 2008, it was just being fixed for release," Ellis concluded.

This is what happened to Star Wars Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek: TimeSplitters 4 is not in development

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Despite rumors to the contrary, Crytek has shot down the notion that the studio is currently developing TimeSplitters 4. The company joked to CVG it had attempted to employ the infinite monkey theorem to develop the game, but ran over budget after purchasing only seven monkeys. Thus far, said Crytek, the chimps "haven't written any code but just tease the press from time to time." In a more serious response, a Crytek spokesperson said quite plainly, "No, it's not in development."

Rumors of a Crytek-developed TimeSplitters 4 have been swirling for years now, with the most recent story popping up last summer, when PlayStation magazine reported that a new TimeSplitters announcement was imminent.

Crytek: TimeSplitters 4 is not in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: TimeSplitters 4 may be announced soon

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST

The TimeSplitters series isn't done monkeying around yet -- Crytek UK may be announcing TimeSplitters 4 soon, as noted in the August edition of Official PlayStation Magazine UK's "Rumor Machine" section. The rumor reads, "Gun-wielding monkeys are finally making a comeback! A fourth Timesplitters title is to be announced soon."

This seems pretty straight-forward, and Crytek UK has previously suggested a new TimeSplitters title after the release of Crysis 2, so we're thinking this could be truer than a complete lie, but we're still keeping our bananas in our pants for now.

Rumor: TimeSplitters 4 may be announced soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek discussing possibility of TimeSplitters 4, needs Crysis 2 shipped first

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST

Our anticipation for Crysis 2 just skyrocketed for a terrible, terrible reason. See, in a recent interview with CVG, Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli responded to a query about the possibility of a new entry in the TimeSplitters franchise by saying, "Yeah, we have been discussing it, but nothing has been confirmed yet, so let's see after Crysis 2." The developers of the chronologically unstable series, Free Radical, were purchased by Crytek back in 2009, and now have their hands full with developing Crysis 2's multiplayer component.

Don't get us wrong -- we're definitely looking forward to Crysis 2 based solely on its own merits as an innovative first-person shooter. But we also want a new TimeSplitters, and if that means we have to ship Crysis 2 before it's ready to free up resources, then, well, that's an egg we're willing to break.

Crytek discussing possibility of TimeSplitters 4, needs Crysis 2 shipped first originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek 'working to resolve' Crysis 2 multiplayer demo issues

David Hinkle — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:10:00 EST

In a statement printed on its website, Crysis 2 developer Crytek says it's aware of issues regarding the Xbox Live-exclusive multiplayer demo, and is "working to resolve" them "as quickly as possible." Known issues include sudden disconnects from servers and, for some, constant console freezing when first joining or concluding matches.

We'll be sure to pass along word when Crytek's ironed out the bugs in its billion-dollar nanosuit, but in the meantime it appears we're all stuck playing the waiting game while waiting to play the game.

Crytek 'working to resolve' Crysis 2 multiplayer demo issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crysis 2 multiplayer preview: Situational shooter

David Hinkle — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:08:00 EST

Having spent quite a bit of time with the first game on PC, I found myself in a far better position at the outset than most when suiting up for the sequel, Crysis 2, at a recent multiplayer preview event at San Francisco.

That isn't to say that Crysis 2 is the same as the first game; Crytek has streamlined the use of the game's core feature, the Nanosuit, through a surprisingly intuitive control scheme, giving you the ability to utilize more than one suit function at the same time. This gives Crysis 2 more tension and asks you to work harder to manage the suit's myriad functions, making for a much more enjoyable and energetic multiplayer experience compared to its predecessor.

Gallery: Crysis 2 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Crysis 2 multiplayer preview: Situational shooter

Crysis 2 multiplayer preview: Situational shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crysis 2 multiplayer demo hitting Xbox Live exclusively on Jan. 25

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

When it's not being used as a great punchline for that joke about the microbe visiting the tailor (it's not that good), the nanosuit is trotted out as Crysis 2's superhuman advantage over other first-person shooters. Crytek and EA hope to make that clear in a Xbox-exclusive multiplayer demo, set to launch on January 25.

Xbox Live Gold members who download the demo will gain access to two modes, the "Skyline" map -- just one of many set in a demolished New York City -- and the nanosuit, which can augment your speed and strength, or lower your visibility. In the "Team Instant Action" mode, two groups of players attempt to kill as many enemies as possible, whereas "Crash Site" has you and your comrades capturing and guarding alien pods.

Crysis 2's multiplayer component is developed by Crytek UK, which was formed from failed TimeSplitters developer Free Radical. The full game, due on March 22, will offer six multiplayer gameplay modes, 12 maps, a leveling system -- and nanosuits for all! Check out a new trailer after the break.

Continue reading Crysis 2 multiplayer demo hitting Xbox Live exclusively on Jan. 25

Crysis 2 multiplayer demo hitting Xbox Live exclusively on Jan. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crysis 2 multiplayer beta footage reminds us not to get caught looking at the scenery

David Hinkle — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

Last month, EA sent out invitations to a Crysis 2 closed beta on the Xbox 360, and now one apparent player has uploaded this sharp-looking video preview of ... the preview. Don't think looking this good comes easy, though -- do you even know how much the dry cleaning bill for a suit like that costs?

Continue reading Crysis 2 multiplayer beta footage reminds us not to get caught looking at the scenery

Crysis 2 multiplayer beta footage reminds us not to get caught looking at the scenery originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek UK still shopping around new TimeSplitters title

Mike Schramm — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:05:00 EST

The studio formerly known as Free Radical Design may now be called Crytek UK, but that doesn't mean it has abandoned its popular TimeSplitters franchise. Managing director Karl Hilton said the developer is still shopping around that IP to publishers to see if it's something they're interested in. We've known that Crytek UK has been working on both another TimeSplitters and some sort of original FPS IP for a while now, but Hilton says the coin flip hasn't landed yet. "If [publishers are] keen for a TS game," he says, "then we'd be happy to do one. If they'd like us to develop something new then we'd do that."

Hilton also says that even if it is agreed that Crytek UK will create a new TimeSplitters game, it may not look like the old ones. Publishers are excited about the brand, he says, but they may need it to be updated or tweaked in some way. But Hilton guarantees players that no matter what personality a new TimeSplitters game might eventually bear, it will definitely be a strong one. Doesn't matter to us, either, Mr. Hilton -- just please make sure that we get to play as a monkey at some point.

Crytek UK still shopping around new TimeSplitters title originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST

Despite earlier claims that Haze developer Free Radical (now Crytek UK) were working on an "original FPS" for its new overlord Crytek Studios, it appears that the UK-based studio is actually hard at work on Crysis 2's multiplayer component. In an interview with VG247, CEO Cevat Yerli revealed "several online functionalities" for the game, as well as the team behind said functionalities. "That is all they [Crytek UK] are doing, with a full team on it, and they are blasting forward at full speed with more focus and dedication than I've ever had before at Crytek." Jeez you two, get a room!

Yerli unfortunately couldn't expand on the various types of multiplayer we'll find in Crysis 2 when it arrives later this year, though he did note that the team at Crytek UK will be "making the gameplay unique to both the console and PC versions." Presumably he means that in a sense greater than "The PC version has way, way prettier graphics."

Ex-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek UK making original FPS

Justin McElroy — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST

If you were holding out hope that Crytek UK (formerly Free Radical) would be finishing up TimeSplitters 4 any time soon, you may want to store it way down in your heart. We're talking like way down, back where you keep your secret wish to find an unopened box of Nintendo Cereal System at your local grocer.

Studio manager Karl Hilton recently told Develop that the company is working on an original FPS. While the news is good on one hand (it's not Haze) it's also bad, because it likely means TimeSplitters 4 is either a long ways off or dead altogether.

[Via GoGamingGiant]

Crytek UK making original FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crysis LIVE! aims to bring the game into the real world

David Hinkle — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

Ever since Crysis released, we've found our life lacking in two distinct ways:

We totally want a Nanosuit of our own and would do close to anything for one
We wish Jason Statham was our squadmate in real life and often daydream about being stranded on a tropical island with him

While the second option is likely never going to happen without some jail time attached to it, the first item is actually a possibility for those willing to travel to Nottingham, UK next month. On October 29 - 30, Crytek UK will section off an area and create "a real-life tropical jungle, complete with exotic flora and fauna" for folks to take part in a real life version of the PC game. In fact, those attending will even be able to try on an actual Nanosuit and, somehow, become invisible while playing this real-life version of the PC title. Crytek UK's Narrative Designer, Rob Yescombe, describes the game as "Hide and Seek for the 21st Century - good old fashioned fun but with a Crytek UK twist."

Who's going?

[Via Big Download]

Crysis LIVE! aims to bring the game into the real world originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 struggles hurt Haze development

Justin McElroy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

It's no secret that some developers have a tough time with the PS3. In fact, Gabe Newell hates the thing so much he once forced an elephant to eat a crushed up 20GB model, jammed a cardboard cutout of Jack Tretton into the resulting dung pile and burned the whole thing in effigy. Karl Hilton of Crytek UK (formerly Free Radical) brings a more restrained (though ultimately more hygienic) protest today, telling Develop that the developer's technical learning curve hurt the development of critically maligned PS3 exclusive, Haze.

"We spent more time trying get the game running properly and less time to design the game properly," he said. "The PS3 is a powerful machine but a difficult one to get the best out of."

And no, before you ask, Hilton doesn't expect to have similar PS3 problems with Crytek's CryEngine 3. Shockingly.

PS3 struggles hurt Haze development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek's Free Radical acquisition speeds up console development plans

David Hinkle — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:24:00 EST

Crytek's past console experience has been nonexistent, and with the company doing away with PC exclusivity, it needs to get its feet wet in the console arena. Now that the company has acquired what is left of Free Radical, it can do just that.

"We always planned to enter the console market and it was part of our strategy even before the acquisition," said Cevat Yerli, president and CEO of Crytek. "This step will certainly bring us forward a bit faster to achieve our goal to develop high quality games on consoles." Before you start getting excited for a console port of Crysis or something, know that Crytek has not revealed any projects yet, though we could be hearing about something sooner rather than later. Employees there are set to begin work on a major project soon, Yerli confirmed.

Crytek's Free Radical acquisition speeds up console development plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek's Free Radical purchase confirmed, 40+ jobs saved

Jem Alexander — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:40:00 EST

The administrators responsible for selling off the remnants of Free Radical have confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Crytek's rumored acquisition of the company has gone ahead. Cameron Gunn of ReSolve Partners stated, "We are pleased to announce that a sale completed to Crytek late last night thus preserving over 40 jobs."

A full announcement is expected at some time later today and will hopefully include more detailed information, as it's not yet clear whether Free Radical's IPs have also been obtained by Crytek. We'll keep you informed.

Crytek's Free Radical purchase confirmed, 40+ jobs saved originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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