Got news?   tips@destructoid.com  |  Never miss a story:   RSS + Twitter + YouTube
Hey! New here? Destructoid is a gaming discussion community, updated nearly every 20 minutes. Make a quick avatar to comment and enter our contests. Take the tour!

 


Home Brutal Legend updates

Rumortoid: Future of Ghostbusters and Brutal Legend in question (Update)

10:39 PM on 07.28.2008, Conrad Zimmerman 75 comments

     Brutal Legend

Ghostbusters

The latest release schedule from Activision Blizzard has just been submitted and there are two glaring absences: Ghostbusters and Brutal Legend. Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that they've been canceled, but let's all just take a deep breath for a moment.

Our sources have received word that Ghostbusters is still in production, so that's some good news. There's still no firm confirmation regarding Brutal Legend, but it had a pretty reasonable amount of hype going and it's hard for me to imagine it has been canned. Doesn't mean it hasn't, but I'd take this all with a very large grain of salt.

If I were forced to speculate (and I am) I'd suspect that this is just something that's been overlooked due to the complexities of the merger between Activision and Blizzard. I've heard stories of an entire studio being forgotten about in the shuffle of paper that's been going on, so failing to mention a couple of projects isn't all that surprising.

Still, I'm going to sleep a whole lot better once we hear that Brutal Legend is still in the works. I'd hate to see Tim Schafer sad.

[UPDATE: We have a quote from the Sierra PR team regarding Ghostbusters: "It is not cancelled and will not be canceled."]

[Via Gamesindustry.biz -- Thanks, Joe!]

 


Next page: More Rumortoid stories




B-Radicate's Avatar
B-Radicate at 07/28/2008 22:47
Yeah Ghostbusters was always a rental for me but Brutal Legend looked like a must own. My fingers are crossed in hopes that these rumors are just that, rumors.
Puppy Licks's Avatar
Puppy Licks at 07/28/2008 22:48
Brutal legend? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
ReclusiveSpirit's Avatar
ReclusiveSpirit at 07/28/2008 22:49
Both games interested me in different ways. I'd hate to see either of them go by the wayside.
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar
ArrestedDeveloper at 07/28/2008 22:59
Brutal Legend can't be canceled by Activision, Double Fine would just have to find a different publisher. Ghostbusters is going to be fine, no way they'll cancel a game that has got so much positive hype throughout it's existence and is being made with the help of all the original talent.
Tet's Avatar
Tet at 07/28/2008 22:59
Then Gameindustry.biz has no clue what the hell they're talking about. I'm sure they went out and got the original cast of Ghostbusters, had them make a script, paid them to do voicework, started advertising it, then cancel it at this point. It could be total crap and it would still be released to recoup money.
Teta's Avatar
Teta at 07/28/2008 23:02
I will kill cats if this is true.
EarthbounderNess's Avatar
EarthbounderNess at 07/28/2008 23:03
Reading this news really hit home for me. I work as a QA over at Vivendi, so it's gut wrenching to know that so many games are going to get the boot, along with many of us testers over there.

All I can say is that I really hope Activision wises up and realizes what they're doing. Otherwise the path they're on is the one that leads to the infamy that EA had looming over them a few years ago (And still do to an extent).
NukaCola's Avatar
NukaCola at 07/28/2008 23:09
I refuse to believe this.
covah's Avatar
covah at 07/28/2008 23:11
Not only am I worried about Brutal Legend, I'm worried about the game WET as well, that game looked cool.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 07/28/2008 23:27
This is bullshit, I don't believe it for a second. There's been tons of very positive hands-on previews for Ghostbusters in the last week, and like ArrestedDeveloper said Activision can't cancel Brutal Legend since they don't own Double Fine. Although I wouldn't be surprised if the game ends up with another publisher, Schafer apparently isn't too happy with the current situation.
Dan CiTi's Avatar
Dan CiTi at 07/28/2008 23:27
Brutal Legend NEEDS to come out.
nebones's Avatar
nebones at 07/28/2008 23:28
NOT BRUTAL LEGEND QQ
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 07/28/2008 23:28
URGH

That's terrible news that I hope isn't true in the slightest.
TurboSpaz's Avatar
TurboSpaz at 07/28/2008 23:45
God, Tim Schafer is the Alan Moore of video games.
Skribble's Avatar
Skribble at 07/29/2008 00:02
I call absolute and total BULLSHIT on this

Ghostbusters and Brutal Legend both have and enormous following, and with good reason. They both look like seriously unique and awesome games, that have had no problems in development to date.
Rifter01's Avatar
Rifter01 at 07/29/2008 00:23
AYYY CHIHUAHUA! NOOO! Cancelling it is the wrong gamble! WRONG I SAY!
Rifter01's Avatar
Rifter01 at 07/29/2008 00:32
Typo.. By 'it' I mean Ghostbusters...

Brutal Legend I can only vaguely remember having something to do with Jack Black (whom I love as an actor/musician) and the cover story in Game Informer (:P) .. But cancelling either one would be a big OUCH!
Technophile's Avatar
Technophile at 07/29/2008 00:41
Well, here is a official word off the wire.

Via the PRnewswire

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that one title is Ghostbusters.

also, works for Sierra Online :(
Agent Orange's Avatar
Agent Orange at 07/29/2008 01:01
Let's not forget about the Riddick game and World in Conflict, for those interested.
Agent Orange's Avatar
Agent Orange at 07/29/2008 01:15
As an aside... I would give this all a bit of time to get sorted because, as has been mentioned, entire studios are getting lost in the shuffle. Plus, in the case of the bigger titles mentioned, another publisher will undoubtedly be willing to pick them up, even if it's Microsoft or Sony for an exclusive. So, don't be too worried... yet.
manasteel88's Avatar
manasteel88 at 07/29/2008 01:17
ok ghostbusters is safe...now somebody at Activision get out there and save Brutal Legend!
TheDespised's Avatar
TheDespised at 07/29/2008 01:45
It would suck to see a somewhat unique game like Brutal Legend go down the drain.

I would hope that another publisher would see the wisdom in picking this game up.
Im OK's Avatar
Im OK at 07/29/2008 02:47
Glad that the Ghostbusters game is still alive though. That would've sucked pretty hard if it'd been canceled.

Still, shit like this is why it's not always a good thing when smaller companies combine together in an attempt to form the Voltron of the game industry, since you'll probably just end up with a lame rip-off Megazord or something instead.
OrangeGoblin's Avatar
OrangeGoblin at 07/29/2008 03:17
Brutal Legend! Noooooo!
TheToiletDuck's Avatar
TheToiletDuck at 07/29/2008 04:54
Tim Schaffer is the Joss Whedon of the game world. Poor guy can't catch a break.
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar
RonBurgandy2010 at 07/29/2008 08:11
If Brutal Legend gets canceled, I simply can't be held responsible for the horrible things I am going to do. Let's just say there will be quite a few less puppies and windows.
Alexradl's Avatar
Alexradl at 07/29/2008 08:15
What the hell, Activision. I want mah Brutal Legends! Rumors are rumors.
Scientist tz's Avatar
Scientist tz at 07/29/2008 08:39
Dear Activision:

If you cancel Ghostbusters I will drive to your corporate HQ, bore a hole in your skull and fuck it.

If you release the game and it sucks I will do the same thing but I will purchase a male Lion to fuck your skull instead.

Sincerely:

Scientist.
Shipley's Avatar
Shipley at 07/29/2008 08:47
I'm really shocked so many people are standing up for Brutal Legend, considering it only had one CG trailer over a year ago, meanwhile Ghostbusters has been playable with a set release date.
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar
RonBurgandy2010 at 07/29/2008 08:55
@Shipley
It's that we trust the guy who is making it to deliver. Tim Schafer has given us Psychonauts, Grim Fandango, and the Monkey Island series. We believe in him.
SephirothX's Avatar
SephirothX at 07/29/2008 08:57
I agree with Shipe, I dont really understand the support for a game that has had only one CG trailer from a year ago. I honestly was never excited about Brutal Legend, I felt the game was some attempt to leach off the success of Guitar Hero and Rock Band by using a 'rock-n-roll' approach to it and saying "Hey look at me garage bands im both cool and fun".

Brutal Legend can be cancelled for all I care, I'm more excited about Too Human than I am about Brutal Legend (and that doesnt say much at all).

From all the positives I've seen about Ghostbusters however, Id be angry if it was canceled. It looks like a very promising game and hopefully a game that can break the jinx of bad movie-to-game adaptations (I know Ghostbusters is meant to be a sequel to the two movies, but its still an adaptation none the less).
Lightthrower's Avatar
Lightthrower at 07/29/2008 10:23
@covah I'm happy that someone atleast remembers WET!
drogaz1's Avatar
drogaz1 at 07/29/2008 10:55
@SephirothX, You should be excited for Brutal Legend since it's being developed by Tim fucking Shafer the guy who created Monkey Island, Psychonauts and Grim Fandango. Even if it isn't being canceled though it's likely that Tim Schafer will find another publisher anyway since I believe he's not to happy about the Vivendi/Activision merger.
Cyberxion's Avatar
Cyberxion at 07/29/2008 10:57
The same people who are crying foul over the possible cancelation of Brutal Legend are the same people who ignored Psychonauts until it hit the bargain-bin.

Say what you will about gamers. They're nothing if not consistent!
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 07/29/2008 12:55
What the fuck is Brutal Legend? Seriously, why is everyone sucking its dick? Ghostbusters obviously won't be cancelled. All hell would break loose, if it was.
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar
RonBurgandy2010 at 07/29/2008 13:19
@Sharpless
Go play Psychonauts, then you will understand.
dtomek's Avatar
dtomek at 07/29/2008 18:36
Well considering Day of the tentacle was one of the best games ever created...it'd be pretty sad to see Brutal Legend go. As for Psychonauts I dunno...never been into 3d platformers so I guess I did not help its poor sales one bit.
tekn0ph1sh's Avatar
tekn0ph1sh at 07/29/2008 20:53
Umm...just preorder the game off their website. If enough people preorder it they almost have to finish the game. Gamestop says that Brutal Legend ships 12/2. Is a 5 dollar returnable gamble worth possibly getting the game made?
moot button's Avatar
moot button at 07/29/2008 20:53
Give us our Brutal Legend!! Heavy Metal Pikmin FTW!!
Im OK's Avatar
Im OK at 07/29/2008 21:29
Hmm... looks like my earlier attempts at posting never went through, for whatever reason.

Anyway, the gist was:

--Haven't heard of Brutal Legend before now. Looks interesting. Tim Schafer being involved bumps up my interest.

--Haven't heard of WET. Chick + guns + sword = meh + yawn. I guess it could be cool, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it.

--Was this "oh noes games are gonna be canceled" thing just an underhanded scheme to gauge and drum up interested in these games by Activision?
Mrjoemama's Avatar
Mrjoemama at 07/29/2008 21:39
Psychonauts got crapped off by Microsoft back in the day and had to be published by (of all companies) Majesco.

Brutal Legend, eh, who cares. Show me some gameplay before you get me all excited. The simple fact it was "created by"(kind of laughable) one guy Tim Schafer.

I can't possibly be excited to see Jack Black bring his persona over to the game world. The story is umm....who knows? So please don't complain about a game possibly getting canned you know nothing about, minus the creator.
KuuL's Avatar
KuuL at 01/03/2009 12:07
<p><a href="http://www.lidazayiflamahapi.net">lida</a> thank you</p>
KuuL's Avatar
KuuL at 01/03/2009 12:11
thank you <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lidazayiflamahapi.net/">Lida</a></span>
KuuL's Avatar
KuuL at 01/03/2009 12:15
thank you <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lidazayiflamahapi.net/">Lida</a></span>
very much
KuuL's Avatar
KuuL at 01/03/2009 12:18
thank you <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lidazayiflamahapi.net">Lida</a>very nice</span>
sohbet odalar's Avatar
sohbet odalar at 01/07/2009 09:07
<a href="http://www.sohbet39.com" title="sohbet, sohbet
odalarư">sohbet odalarư</a>

ThankS
sohbet odalar's Avatar
sohbet odalar at 01/07/2009 09:10
thank you <a href="http://www.sohbet39.com" title="sohbet, sohbet odalarư">sohbet odalarư</a>
sohbet odalar's Avatar
sohbet odalar at 01/07/2009 10:08
<a href="http://www.sohbet39.com" title="sohbet, sohbet odalarư">sohbet odalarư</a>
prev next 50 comments

Returning Dtoiders: login now to post a comment

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.




 Original Videos

 Reviews
Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack
Overlord II
Yosumin Live!
Let's Tap
Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Wii)
View all Game Reviews

 Community blogs -   39673 Dtoiders!

This month's theme: Untapped Potential

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals

Retroforce Recap: so what about those dirty games, now?











more original Destructoid stories



 Popular now more













Destructoid is:
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Dale North
News Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Video editor & director
Niero
Founder, publisher
Letters to the editors
tips@destructoid.com
Associate Editors
Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
Dyson Samit Sarkar
Contributors
Adam Dork
Ben Perlee
Daniel Lingen
Joseph Leray
Joe Burling
Mikey
Will Maddock
Stella Wong




get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
discuss a review
contribute a news tip
write a guest editorial
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meet-ups
seriously

about us
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006