Is the cancelled Jurassic World video game back in development?
Is the ‘cancelled’ Jurassic World video game back in development? We’ve heard yes. Before we dive into that bit, lets recap what we know about the game:
Developed with Unreal Engine 4, Cryptic Studios Seattle was planning to release the game as a digital download title on Steam, Xbox Live, and Playstation Network. It was described as a high budget, open world third person shooter action/adventure game. Allegedly, the title had MMO-like elements not unlike those seen in H1Z1.
Set on Isla Nublar, the player controlled Chris Pratt’s character, Owen. Several dinosaurs from the series were going to be in it, including: Gallimimus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Spinosaurus, Pteranodon, Ankylosaurus and Baryonyx. It’s unclear exactly how the game played and what its general plot focus would have been, but it was likely more mission/quest based with little focus on a story.
(A screenshot from the Telltale Jurassic Park game)
Flash forward to now: about a month back we were emailed by an individual who wished to remain anonymous, and was claiming that the game was back in development. To the best of our ability, we validated the authenticity of the persons claim through a small series of communications with them. Here’s what they had to say:
“It was back in development at a different studio by the time those artists shared their work from it, but they were unaware. They assumed that their contracts were void and NDA’s fulfilled as the initial development studio had closed, and went and shared the work. Once your site picked up on the story it spread like wildfire, and the publisher Perfect World cracked down HARD on them because it was still very much alive. The issue wasn’t that people knew the game existed, but rather so many key assets leaked. Plus the cancellation news coupled with the imagery immersed the project and IP holders with with negative attention, rather than positive.”
At this time, we’re unsure if and how the games assets, story and scope have changed. Considering it was close to being released on Steam Early Access last June, it seems likely the game has evolved into something larger and more comprehensive. While we’re unsure when the game will be formally announced, e3 starts June 14th which is as good of guess as any!
As with any news like this, we do recommend you take it with a healthy sense of understanding, and a grain of salt. We have done our best to validate it, however behind the scenes many gears are always turning, and things can often change. While the game has resumed development, that doesn’t guarantee it won’t be cancelled again – however, that does seem incredibly unlikely.
