Summary
With the closure of the studio behind theTimeSplittersseries, former Free Radical Design employees and developers have posted some concept art for the seemingly canceled reboot. Two and a half years ago, Free Radical Design announced a new game in the cult classic third-person shooter series had entered development after the studio was bought out by the Embracer Group. However, due to the parent company’s mismanaged business deals, Free Radical ended up beingone of many companies that were closed by the Embracer Group.
According to the Embracer Group, the closure of these many studios was part of a company-wide cost-saving measure, which resulted in several layoffs. TheTimeSplittersstudio officially shut down earlier this December, with several artists and developers confirming they were already let go before an official statement was made. With Free Radical Design’s closure, former developers have been posting assets of theTimeSplittersreboot that they were working on online.
The assets for this canceledTimeSplittersreboot were posted to various artists' ArtStation pages as well as Twitter, while some were also archived onthe community-maintained Free Radical wiki. These include concept art for various characters, NPCs, and locations, along with items that were made to be used for the game’s maps. Some of these character assets got far enough in development that 3D models were made, such as a bosom barmaid from a Western-style setting, a cybernetic old man, and so much more.
Many fans were both happy and sad that the developers were able to share what they were working onbefore Free Radical was closed down. Some were happy to see the art assets had survived in some way, especially for preservation purposes, while others were incredibly saddened that Free Radical’s closure meant this game would likely never happen now. Many of the fans were extremely supportive of the former developers, hoping they’d be able to find work elsewhere after being let go.
2023 saw plenty of layoffs in the gaming industry this year, withthe Embracer Group having laid off at least 900 people since June, and recently reaching possibly 1000. Some of these recent layoffs from the Embracer Group-owned studios include Slipgate Ironworks and 3D Realms, with multiple games also being canceled in the process. The overall total of lost jobs is estimated to be over 9000 people, with companies like Xbox Game Studios, Epic Games, Blizzard, Unity, BioWare, and Crystal Dynamics also letting people go. ThisTimeSplittersreboot is one of many things lost after the closure of Free Radical by the Embracer Group.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
WHERE TO PLAY
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect is the pinnacle of the acclaimed series, blending action, humor, and intricate storytelling. Play as Sergeant Cortez, embarking on a time-bending journey across past, present, and future to thwart the sinister TimeSplitters. Explore diverse environments from ancient temples to futuristic cities, each with unique challenges and visual splendor.The single-player campaign is a blend of action and witty dialogue, unfolding through epic battles, puzzles, and animated cut-scenes that bring to life quirky allies and formidable adversaries. The narrative is cinematic and rich, revealing mysteries behind the TimeSplitters' plans with depth and flair.Multiplayer shines with cooperative and competitive modes, offering classic deathmatches, objective-based challenges, and innovative gameplay that tests strategy and reflexes. The game’s visuals impress with detailed models, vibrant settings, and seamless animations that enhance immersion.TimeSplitters: Future Perfect honors the series' legacy while innovating with modern gameplay elements, appealing to both longtime fans and new players. Whether for its compelling story, engaging multiplayer, or sheer entertainment value, it promises an unforgettable journey through time and space, making it a timeless addition to any gamer’s collection.
